I hope the current Pope will be to Islam what the previous Pope was to communism.
Yes, he seems to be willing to meet Islam head-on. Might be the only world leader I see doing that. Underneath his quiet, academic exterior is a courageous Church-Militant soldier.
Battle of Lepanto was fought by the Pope and some few who understood that Islam was on the move into Europe. Many leaders were caught up in local skirmishes, many more were afraid of a direct confrontation, but a few realized exactly what was going on and faced it head-on.
Perhaps this is human nature.