Pope Francis talks to Shahindokht Molaverdi, Irans vice-president for women and family affairs, during a private audience at the Vatican February 12, 2015.[/caption]Pope Francis has lashed out at those in the Western societies who keep justifying their insults against religions by resorting to notions such as freedom of expression.
In a Thursday meeting with Irans Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi at the Vatican, the Pope stressed that freedom of expression does not mean insulting religions and religious sanctities.
The spiritual leader of the worlds Catholics has repeatedly expressed discontent with the growing trend of religious desecration in the West, which gained a new momentum in the wake of deadly terrorist attacks in France in early January.
On January 7, the office of French weeklymagazine Charlie Hebdo came under assault by two gunmen. Some 12 people were killed in the incident, which was claimed by the al-Qaeda branch in Yemen.
A few days later, Charlie Hebdo published a blasphemous cartoon insulting Islams most revered figure Prophet Muhammad.
Senior Muslim figures worldwide denounced both the terror assault against Charlie Hebdo and the magazines sacrilegious cartoon.
The Pope also condemned the publication of the image, saying, You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others.
Irans resolve in nuclear talks
Elsewhere in his comments, the Pope voiced support for Irans ongoing efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement with the P5+1 states over its nuclear program, saying he stands by the Iranian nation and government.
In January, the Pope expressed hope that an agreement could be reached soon between Iran and the six powers Russia, China, France, Britain, the US and Germany.
Last December, Irans President Hassan Rouhani sent a message to the Pope and congratulated him on the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, asking him for more sympathy and cooperation in establishing peace and security across the world.
By Press TV
