1. The Pope wanted Arabic speakers to hear his message from his own mouth--translated by his own translators--rather than allow it to be distorted (intentionally or not) by a zillion other translators.

This was prudent. The Pope took charge of his own translation, checked and double checked for subtle nuances of culture and language--so he would not be misunderstood over a phrase that did not translate well. Also so rabble rousers cannot just make vile

2. Arabic is a living language. Speaking it is not a religious act. Its not like the Pope went on hajj or prayed salat toward the Kabaa. He just spoke to people.

3. The Pope is allowed to speak any human language he pleases. He can't very well go about speaking only Latin.