"Hence from Verona art thou banished/ Be patient, for the world is broad and wide." Why is this quote significant?

In this quote, the Friar is passing on word to Romeo that the Prince is banishing Romeo from Verona as a punishment for his involvement in the fighting. The conflict in question led to the deaths of both Tybalt and Mercutio. All in all, Romeo is getting off easy. The normal punishment would have been death.