“However, the reactions and defense I have seen by Catholics of recent popes most definitely verge on papal idolatry.”
And you think Catholics treated Pius V or Innocent III or Pius IX with less honor than the last three popes? Really?
Pre-Vatican II popes didn’t make comments that went against Catholic teaching. Francis does and Catholics still defend it.
Honor and defense of the indefensible : Apples and oranges.