Pope says he would PUNCH someone who insulted his mother

The Pontiff said there were limits to freedom of expression and that 'provocateurs' should not purposely anger religious people.

Speaking on board the papal plane on his way to the Philippines, he also insisted that it was an 'aberration' to kill in the name of God and that religion can never be used to justify violence.

By way of example, Pope Francis referred to Alberto Gasparri, who organises papal trips and was standing by his side aboard the papal plane. 

'If my good friend Dr Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch,' Francis said, throwing a pretend punch his way. 

'It's normal. You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others.' 

Following the attacks on Charlie Hebdo in Paris, many people have defended the satirical magazine for publishing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

But the Pope said there was a limit to free speech when it concerned offending someone's religious beliefs.

He said: 'There are so many people who speak badly about religions or other religions, who make fun of them, who make a game out of the religions of others.

'They are provocateurs. And what happens to them is what would happen to Dr Gasparri if he says a curse word against my mother. There is a limit.' 

(dailymail.co.uk)