Pope Francis: I would punch whoever insults my mother

Pope Francis says he will “punch” anyone who insults his mother, even if the offender is Doctor Gasbarri, his aide and friend.

The pontiff said this on Thursday in remarks made en route to the Philippines from Sri Lanka while speaking in relation to recent events of violence in Paris.

The pope said that violence in the name of religion could never be justified but that there were “limits” to freedom of expression.

“We have a duty to speak openly, to have this freedom, but without offending others,” he said.

“It’s true that you cannot react with violence, but if my aide Doctor Gasbarri, who is a friend, badmouths my mother, a punch would be coming for him.

“Many people badmouth religion, mock it, play with other people’s religion. It can happen, but there are limits. Every religion has dignity, every religion that respects life and human beings has a dignity, and you cannot mock it. You cannot provoke, insult, ridicule other people’s faith.”

The head of the Catholic Church is currently on a five-day visit to Asia.