WELCOME PONTIFF, BUT WE MAY RIOT - AT 8:43 A.M. ET: 

NAZARETH, Israel (AP) -- A banner across the main square in Jesus' boyhood town condemns those who insult Islam's Prophet Muhammad -- a message by Muslim hard-liners for Pope Benedict XVI during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land next month.

The pontiff may have to tread carefully with his visit to Nazareth. Many Muslims are still angry over a 2006 speech in which Benedict quoted a medieval text depicting the prophet as violent.

Even some Christians are nervous that Benedict could stir up trouble for them. They worry that if he says anything contentious about Islam again, Muslims might lash out.

And...

The banner was put up by followers of Nazem Abu Salim, a radical Muslim preacher, right next to the Church of the Annunciation, where tradition says the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus.

It is there for the pope, Abu Salim said. ''He is not welcome here.''

COMMENT:  This is nothing more than a naked threat.  I have no problem with religious groups protesting an insensitive remark by a religious leader.  It happens all the time.  But the suggestion of violence is implied, a common practice among Islamists.  It's been reported that Israeli authorities are concerned about the Pope's security.  We hope this concern is not used as an excuse to cave in to the demands of the most extreme Muslim elements. 

April 29, 2009