Could Pope Benedict be pursuing a role in fighting terrorism that is similar to the role played by Pope John Paul II in fighting communism? That's probably too great a leap - at this point - but it looks like he's going to meet the issue head on:

LES COMBES, Italy (AP) - Pope Benedict prayed Sunday for God to stop the "murderous hand" of terrorists, stepping up his condemnation of the recent attacks in Europe and the Middle East blamed on Islamic extremists.

At the same time, Benedict's spokesman said the Pope was placing immense importance on a scheduled meeting in Cologne, Germany, next month with members of Germany's Muslim community.

For the second Sunday in a row, the pope offered a public prayer (Italian version) for victims of terrorist acts and the topic is seeing more frequency in his remarks. He's clearly not ignoring Islamist terrorism. Meeting with Muslim leaders in Germany - where al Qaeda has located some of its most bloodthirsty cells, including Mohammed Atta's once - has potential to open backchannels that could be invaluable in the War on Terror.

This story is worth keeping an eye on.