Pope Baptizes Prominent Italian Muslim

Read this if you guys havn't heard about it:

lfpress.ca...

Magdi Allam is the deputy editor of the Corriere della Sera newspaper and writes often on Muslim and Arab affairs. Born in Egypt, he has described himself as a non-practising Muslim. He has long spoken out against extremism and in favour of tolerance.

What is the intention here?
Is this Muslim trying to demonstrate his personal beliefs in anti-radicalism?
Or is the Pope trying to show off his

considering all equally important before the love of God

What on Earth is going on, this man apparently is very popular amongst the pacifiers.
However, this is what I found out on Wikipedia:

For thirty years he lived in Egypt and had affilations with Al Qaeda.

Trying to reedeem himself in public and disgrace his own religion?