Rome (AP): A high-profile Muslim commentator in Italy on Monday recounted how Pope Benedict XVI was instrumental in his decision to convert to Catholicism.

Magdi Allam, a top editor for the Corriere della Sera newspaper, praised the pontiff -- himself under fire from militant -- for defending civilisation.

The surprise baptism of Allam by the pope during the Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica last night highlighted tensions that have at times characterised the theologian-pope's relationship with the Muslim world.

Allam, 55, was born a Muslim in Egypt, but was educated by Catholics and says he has never been a practicing Muslim.

In a front-page letter in Corriere, he described how Benedict helped in his decision to break with Islam, a process which included support from a Vatican cardinal.

"Undoubtedly the most extraordinary and significant encounter in the decision to convert was that with Pope Benedict XVI," Allam said. He said he admired the pope for his skill in laying out the relationship "between faith and reason as the basis of authentic religion and civilization."

The pope himself has come under verbal attack from Islamic militants.

Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, in a new audio message posted last week, accused Benedict of playing a role in what he called a "new Crusade" against Islam. The Vatican has described the accusation as baseless.

Allam predicted his conversion would spark an "even graver condemnation to death for apostasy," or renunciation of religious faith. Hamas singled him out for death after he criticized Palestinian suicide bombings.