I don't really know why a lot of the Liturgical changes took place. Probably, the Pope knew we teetered on a major schism and he bent over backwards to accomodate where possible to forestall an open schism.
From Comunion in the hand, to altar girls, to,... you name it. Maybe the Holy Spirit had had enough and said "ok, clowns. Have it your way. I'll sit over here and wait for you to come to your senses."
IMO, Pope Ratzinger would return us to our senses. He is extremely serious and the state of our Liturgy - sub-pathetic in the West in most places (except for the Indult)- needs his attention as Pope. But,he will have the AmBishops to slap down. Maybe a Legate will be necessary.
but until Catholic and Orthodox faithful can walk into each other's parishes and recognize the same faith and the same spirit, it will be meaningless and there will be no union
Amen, brother.
I remember reading the Ratzinger Report many years ago. Or rather, I don't remember the specifics of what he said, but I do remember thinking at that time that Ratzinger was someone that the Catholics could benefit from having more of. Perhaps I'll have the opportunity to see if I was right.