I'm not Catholic and not "covering" for the Pope's behavior. My point is that there is nothing wrong with talking to Islamic leaders. The odds are pretty good that there is something wrong with what this pope would say in that situation, but I would expect a true Christian to bring God's word even to the leaders of terrorists. A great Pope might even convert some terrorists and help them find their way to God.
What you might see as a Christian, and his or her mission and when and to whom may very well not be what God sees and determines.
History is clear when an enemy declares war on you you don't kiss his butt while he kills your people.