Pope Francis: Freedom of responsible speech

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (PD)

While everyone is shouting, “Je suis Charlie” - and certainly with much good cause - Pope Francis has been pointing out that ethical freedom of speech entails a great deal of responsibility.

CNN reports that when Francis was recently en route to the Philippines, he said that people should neither “kill in the name of God” nor “insult other people’s faith.”

Clearly referring to recent events in France, Francis went on to explain that freedom of expression is meant “to help the common good” rather than to disrespect human dignity.  In keeping with this, Francis added:  One cannot provoke… one cannot make fun of faith.

The pontiff nevertheless strongly reiterated:  To kill in the name of God is an aberration.

  

Resources

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/14/asia/philippines-pope-francis-visit/index.html

Copyright January 15, 2015 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved