The Pope is also the head of a state that has been implementing its programs for centuries. The Sheikh, on the other hand, is only one of a group of state officials who cannot really take an entirely independent stand. Among Catholics and other Christian denominations as well as among Jews, there are priests and ministers charged with tending to religious matters and to the spiritual needs of the faithful. The defense of religion and its propagation also comes within their responsibilities. On the contrary, Islam does not have such an institution not does it grant any person the right to be a priest.
Every believer has an equal responsibility to defend and propagate the religion.
No priestly status is sanctioned for any religious scholar. I am sure that the timing of the Pope's visit and the Sheikh's was simply a coincidence. If there should be any element of discrimination in the treatment of the two visits, it should not be taken as a basis for passing any judgement. The leadership of the Catholic Church spares no effort or expense to minister to and support its adherents all over the world. Nor does it hesitate to speak out on measures which should be taken to solve the problems of its members.