Pope Francis on Thursday stirred fresh controversy in the debate over freedom of speech and individual responsibility with a remark that suggested that a violent reaction to insults should be expected.

In an on-board news conference with journalists traveling with him to the Philippines from Sri Lanka, the pontiff was asked for his views after last weeks terror attacks in Paris on the appropriate balance between freedom of expression and respect for others religious beliefs.

Francis had said after the Jan. 7 attacks incited by satirical magazine Charlie Hebdos lampooning of the Muslim prophet Muhammad that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right but that ridiculing anothers deity was disrespectful.

Asked by a French journalist Thursday up to what point can one go in freedom of expression? Francis replied that both religious liberty and liberty of expression are fundamental human rights.

Everyone has the right to practice ones religion, ones own religion without giving offense, the pope replied, according to a transcript of his comments published by Vatican Radio. But he added that one cannot offend, make war, kill in the name of ones own religion, that is, in the name of God."

In an apparent attempt at making light of the consequences of insulting others, the pontiff turned to Alberto Gasbarri, the Vatican travel organizer standing beside him.

If Dr. Gasbarri, a good friend, says a bad word against my mother, then a punch awaits him, Francis said, dealing a mock blow in the direction of the aides face. Its normal, its normal. One cannot provoke, one cannot insult other peoples faith, one cannot make fun of faith.

While the pope had made clear his condemnation of violence in earlier remarks on the recent terror strikes, his suggestion that violent responses to offensive statements or gestures should be expected enflamed the emotional debate over whether free speech has boundaries in a free society.

In response to a flurry of media requests for clarification, Vatican spokesman Thomas Rosica issued a statement asserting that the popes comments and gesture were in no way intended to be interpreted as a justification for the violence and terror that took place in Paris last week.

The popes exchange with Gasbarri was in a friendly, intimate matter among colleagues and friends on the journey, Rosica said.

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Pope Francis stirs controversy in debate about freedom of speech