Yes, of course.
My Muslim friend is also a big fan of his, says he finally knows of a Christian leader he really loves and respects, not another hypocritical Christian leader.
I would advise your Muslim friend to study good leaders. Perhaps an abolitionist like John Wesley. Alternatively, maybe he is one of many people who complains of that which he knows nothing about. If I said, "I know no Muslim leader I really love and respect," many would point out that maybe I should search for many or stop complaining.
You're being unnecessarily harsh. We're talking about current leaders. He didn't see the last couple Popes and Patriarchs as leaders at all, and likes Pope Francis's openness and charity and unconventional style, saying it's finally a Christian who practices what he preaches and leads by example. This thread is about Pope Francis. I shared my Muslim friend's opinion to show something Pope Francis is doing is working. Protestantism isn't as well known in Egypt and Eastern Europe as Catholic & Orthodox Christianity are.
