Pope Francis' pretend punch at the doctor, while stressing the limits of freedom of expression post Paris massacre, has been defended by a Vatican spokesperson saying that it was not meant to in any way defend violence or terror that took place in France last week.
The Pope made the gesture and accompanying remarks while flying from Sri Lanka to the Philippines saying to Doctor Gasparri who arranges his trips that if he spoke badly of the Pope's mother, he could expect a punch.
However, Pope Francis did not mention the attack at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo's headquarters, reported CNN.
The Pope's remarks came as funerals were held for four people killed in the attack by Islamist militants.