People should not commit murder in the name of religion, but neither should they insult another's faith, Pope Francis said while on board a flight from Sri Lanka to the Philippines on Thursday.

The Pope stressed that there is absolutely no excuse to kill 17 people, who were casualties in a string of terrorist attacks in France last week. He said one cannot kill or wage war because of religious beliefs, adding it is an "aberration" to kill in the name of God.

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The attackers in and around the French capital reportedly uttered, 'God is great,' after killing 12 people in the offices of satirical publication, Charlie Hebdo.

The pontiff was also quick to point out that freedom of expression should end where the freedom of religion begins.

He said people had not only the freedom, but also the duty to express what they think to promote the common good. He added that people had not only the freedom, but also the duty to express what they think to promote the common good, but added it could be done without being offensive and with respect for human dignity.

The Pope explained one could not insult, provoke or make fun of other people's faith.

On Thursday evening, the prelate touched down in Manila, the capital of a country that is home to Asia's biggest Catholic population. The faithful poured into the streets of Metro Manila to welcome Pope Francis as he begins his five-day visit.

The Philippines has declared a national holiday for the visit and the nation's coast guard has banned ships for sailing within a couple of kilometers of Manila Bay. Many of Manila's main roads were closed while the capital's airport has scaled down operations.

Tens of thousands of security forces were deployed to watch over the Pope during his visits to Manila and Leyte. He will celebrate mass in Tacloban City that is still reeling from Typhoon Haiyan's devastation.

The Vatican said the Pope's visit is one of compassion and mercy. 

TagsPope Francis