Muslim Convert in Italy Leaving Catholic Church Over "Soft" Stance on Islam

Egyptian-born journalist is a high profile convert in Italy, baptized by Pope Benedict XVI

A high-profile Italian Muslim who converted to Catholicism and was baptized by Pope Benedict XVI announced on Monday (March 25) that he will leave the church to protest its soft stance against Islam.

Egyptian-born Magdi Cristiano Allam, 61, a prominent journalist and outspoken critic of Islam, publicly entered the Catholic Church on March 22, 2008 during an Easter Vigil service, receiving baptism directly from Benedict.