British PM David Cameron Criticises Pope Francis' Statement On 'Limits' To Freedom Of Speech

British Prime Minister David Cameron disagrees with Pope Francis' assertion of vengeance against those who make religious insults. Mr. Cameron responded to the Pope, insisting someone who is offended does not have the right to 'wreak vengeance'.

Pope Francis has incited anger last week when he said that people cannot insult the religious beliefs of others. The leader of the Roman Catholic church and the Vatican added that he would punch someone who has offended his mother, as he weighed in on the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris, the Daily Mail reported.

The Pope said there were limits to freedom of speech and expression. He believes "provocateurs" should not intentionally mock the religion of others. While on board the plane on his way to the Philippines for a five-day visit, Pope Francis insisted it was an "aberration" to kill others in the name of God and religion.

The Pontiff referred to his good friend Alberto Gasparri, who was standing by his side in the plane as an example. He said, "if my good friend Dr Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch." He added that the reaction was normal and reminded everyone not to "make fun" of the faith of others.

The British prime minister told CBS that he is a Christian and if he hears something offensive about Jesus, though he will find that offensive, he doesn't have the right to wreak vengeance against them. Mr Cameron reiterates society has to accept what newspapers and magazines publish even if it might cause offense as long as they are within the limits of the law.

In response to the Paris terrorist attacks, Pope Francis condemned the acts of violence and defended the freedom expression. He said nothing would justify the attack but added that Charlie Hebdo may have gone too far in its satirical depiction of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

However, Mr Cameron insisted that in a free society, freedom of speech is important. He believes,"in a free society people have to be free to offend each other," reports said. He declared in the interview that his job as a politician is to uphold the law and not to tell newspapers and magazines what to publish.

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