Pope-o-meter interpretation

[Kraxis]

You can also create an entire Outremer kingdom for the Pope to manage.

Take Jerusalem, Acre and Antioch and he should stand a good chance of defending himself, with Jerusalem alone he might fall to a few Jihads. This would then tie up the Muslim powers, so that you don't have to worry about them moving up into Europe when you invariably weaken the other catholic factions.

But be sure that you sack the places. That should make up for the income you won't get when you hand them over.