The Pope's influence in the Middle East is definitely symbolic, but that's about it.
Pope Francis has garnered a great deal of popularity worldwide for his bold stands on behalf of social justice and his simple gestures of humility. His papacy seems to be transforming the global image of the Catholic Church. Still, it is essential to keep things in perspective.
http://time.com/137923/pope-francis-middle-east-travels-are-being-overhyped/