I recognize (and wince at) the scandalous potential of a gesture like that, but it was pointed out at the time that Pope John Paul II's custom was to kiss all gifts as a sign of respect to the givers, and that included beach balls, soccer jerseys, flowers, T-shirts, musical innstruments, banana bread and bottles of beer. Pope John Paul II however did invoke:
"May Saint John Baptist protect Islam and all the people of Jordan, and all who partecipated in this celebration, a memorable celebration", on March 21, 2000. It's on the Vatican website. VISIT TO WADI AL-KHARRAR
And I consider JP II's 1986 Assisi Apostasy to be a precedent, a compliment, and no different from today's apostasy by Bergoglio.
I think it was a verbal gaffe to say "protect Islam" instead of something which is quite different, "protect Muslims" --- at least I hope it was just a gaffe.
I try to see errors without imputing the worst interpretation--- if the situation allows.