Blasphemy is a pretty hot topic in Pakistan at the moment . Is it still on the books of the catholic church along with heresy and all the other things that would get you burned at the stake in the days of the inquisition?
Ridiculous rules insisted upon by those whose faiths can not stand against criticism or a little mocking. Any civilised society should confine it to the dustbin of history. There is no reason a religion should enjoy such overprotection when the common folk do not.
you are mostly referring to common law mibs, the question is about canon law leading to common law. the vatican maintains that blasphemy is a sin, originally punishable by death or some bizarre enforced ritual. i don't think they advocate the death penalty for these sins any more and certainly have no authority to administer it.
Can. 1369 A person who in a public show or speech, in published writing, or in other uses of the instruments of social communication utters blasphemy, gravely injures good morals, expresses insults, or excites hatred or contempt against religion or the Church is to be punished with a just penalty.
So then a blasphemer is subject to 'just penalty' ~ whatever the hell that is . . .
I expect the pope just doesn't want blasphemers executed then. I can't fault him for that, but he still doesn't appear to have his head around the whole thing, does he!