Why did the pope himself baptize this high-profile Muslim convert?

[pnwmom]

Of course this man had a right to convert, but why the pope? Why couldn't he have been baptized by an ordinary priest, like most people?

Why this public baptism that is almost certain to inflame Muslim opinion?

The pope has apologized in the past for statements that were perceived to be anti-Islamic. Hasn't he learned anything?

http://www.rawstory.com/news/mochila/Pope_baptizes_famous_Muslim_convert_03222008.html

Pope Benedict led the world's Catholics into Easter on Saturday at a Vatican service where he baptized a Muslim-born convert who is one of Italy's most famous and controversial journalists.

SNIP


One of the seven adults he baptized on Saturday night was Magdi Allam, 55, an Egyptian-born journalist who, as deputy director of the leading newspaper Corriere della Sera, is one of Italy's best-known intellectuals.

Allam, a fierce critic of Islamic extremism and a strong supporter of Israel, is protected by a police escort because of threats he has received.

His conversion to Christianity was a well-kept secret, disclosed by the Vatican in a statement less than an hour before the Easter eve service started.

SNIP

[shimmergal]

1. I noticed that too, and

it upset me. Surely the Pope realized the publicity will put the man's life even more at risk?

I can only conclude Pope Benedict weighed this fact against the political coup the baptism represented for the Church and decided in favor of the latter. IMO this was regrettable.