Yesterday Pope Francis received Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese Christian woman who is condemned to death, while pregnant, for alleged "apostasy". The touching encounter gained worldwide media attention and, in the words of writer Fr Dwight Longenecker, enabled millions to "put a face to the thousands of persecuted Christians around the world". The meeting also drew attention to the Pope's role in raising awareness of Christian suffering. But what exactly is Francis doing and how effective is it?