This Pope Doesn't Turn The Other Cheek - He Raises a Fist

Vatican defends Pope after punch remark

Pope: There are limits to free expression 

(CNN)Pope Francis used a punch to make a point about the limits of free expression, but he ended up on the defensive because of it -- with a Vatican spokesman saying it was "in no way intended to be interpreted as justification for the violence and terror that took place in Paris last week."

The Pope made the gesture and accompanying remarks while flying from Sri Lanka to the Philippines, where he started a five-day visit Thursday.

He didn't mention Charlie Hebdo, the satirical magazine that was targeted by terrorists after it depicted the Prophet Mohammed in cartoons, something that many Muslims find offensive. The Paris magazine became a terrorist target after publishing one such cartoon years ago, and after last week's attack, it placed Mohammed on its cover, this time showing him crying and holding a sign with the rallying cry "Je suis Charlie," French for "I am Charlie."

Everyone has not only the liberty, but also the obligation, "to say what he thinks to help the common good," Francis said. However, they should not do so if it offends people.Still, even if he didn't explicitly name the publication, the Pope was clear that he was referring to the general debate over what's happened in France, including how people might react if they feel someone made a slight to their religious faith.

And if someone does get offended? The Pope made reference to Alberto Gasbarri, a man who organizes papal trips and was then standing next to him on the plane.

"If Dr. Gasbarri, a great friend, says a swear word against my mother, then a punch awaits him," Francis said. "It's normal, it's normal. One cannot provoke, one cannot insult other people's faith, one cannot make fun of faith."

While making this comment, Vatican Radio reported that the pontiff "gestured with a pretend punch" directed at Gasbarri -- an action many journalists interpreted as a joke.

Editor's note:

The Roman Catholic Vicar of Christ on earth says "...it's normal" ( to raise a fist). 

Really?

My Irish Catholic mother would say, " Do not act like him ( the name caller ) ...sticks and stones will never hurt you".

Jesus Christ said:

Love Your Enemies

27“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic^b either. 30Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.