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That's not really what he said, though, is it?

He doesn't say violence is "appropriate," but it is often to be expected. It's a "natural" response - that doesn't mean it's necessarily a good thing. Shitting's natural too.

What he said (according to the report): "the pope said freedom of speech was a fundamental human right but “every religion has its dignity”."

His point, as I see it, is if you act like a dick there are two things going on. One, you're being a dick (why be a dick?). Two, you very well may get a slap in the face (why would you do something that's likely going to get you a slap in the face?).

Of course, you can. It's your, as he said, fundamental human right. But maybe you shouldn't. "Cautioning against provocation he said the right to liberty of expression came with the obligation to speak for “the common good”." I.e., with great power comes great responsibility.

This is something that's actually very much entrenched in Western thought. J.S. Mill made this point in the 19th century when discussing bread riots (Ideas "ought to be unmolested when simply circulated through the press, but may justly incur punishment when delivered orally to an excited mob assembled before the house of a corn dealer, or when handed about among the same mob in the form of a placard"). Similar ideas have emerged in the US: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater

On the other hand: I don't really like his metaphor, and I also don't think it's a good excuse for punching his pal (just as it's a fucking shit reason to kill people). Further, I don't think religions should be treated differently (special dignity). However, I think it'd be nice if everyone's dignity was respected.