I get what Tom Scott is trying to say here. He's using Pope Benedict as the representative of the Christian world having to deal with constant satire, abuse and misrepresentation of the Christian faith, and so to the "angry protestors", the Pope says, "Harden up ..."
However, in real life, despite some concerns for his safety, Pope Benedict XVI has just returned from a trip to Lebanon that he refused to cancel. He spoke to all about the need for peace, instead of telling them to get used to the mockery. Ironic, huh?