“To kill in the name of God is an absurdity… but each religion has its dignity, there are limits. If a good friend speaks badly of my mother, he can expect to get punched, and that’s normal. You cannot provoke, you cannot insult other people’s faith, you cannot mock it. Freedom of speech is a right and a duty that must be displayed without offending.” [Pope Francis].

Rather than condemn ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Boko Haram, Hamas or ‘radical’ Islam, Pope Francis chose instead to condemn the victims. Those left without a voice. The Charlie Hebdo murder victims, those beheaded, raped, crucified, murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ or Jewish heritage throughout Iraq, Europe and the Middle East; what was their offence? How did they provoke, insult or mock?

Islam’ defines offense as being Jewish, sharing Jesus with a Muslim, being in possession of a Bible, gathering with other believers to worship the LORD. Did Charlie Hebdo go too far, perhaps. BUT there is never justification for murder.

Standing in solidarity with religions across the globe, Pope Francis’ prayer intention for January 2015 is: “That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace.”

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:15