Do you have ANY reason to believe the papers are misquoting the Pope? ANY?
From your link:
“We have the obligation to freely have this liberty, but without offending. It’s true that you cannot react violently. But, if Dr. Gasbarri, my great friend, says something against my mother, he can expect a punch. It’s normal. It’s normal. You cannot provoke, you cannot insult the faith of others, you cannot make fun of the faith....So many people speak against others’ religions. They make fun of them. Let’s say they “giocatalizzano” (make a playng out of) the religion of others. But they are provoking, and what can happen is what I said about Dr. Gasbarri if he says something about my mother. There is a limit. Every religion has dignity; I cannot mock a religion that respects human life and the human person. And this is a limit. I’ve used this example of the limit to say that in the freedom of expression there are limits, like the example I gave of my mother...”
He’s speaking as a pastor telling me that it’s not my place to publish obscene cartoons of anyone much less someone revered by others as part of their religion. He’s not speaking ex cathedra and for me in my line of work (i.e., if I were a journalist) it might be necessary to republish them. Since it is not my job, I choose not to, not because I’m afraid but because my spiritual leader suggests that I not do so. If I were a soldier I know that because of my faith, I can kill in a war but I cannot seek out those to kill nor can I relish it and let it control who I am. I’m glad that Mr. Mercat who is a Vietnam vet, did not have to kill anyone over there. Its one less mark on his soul. He says he would punch someone in the face if he insulted his mother (I assume that would include the Blessed Virgin). He would then, I’m reasonably certain, go and confess acting on his anger against the offender. I guess I don’t understand your anger at him.