Rigid has no decent connotations when applied to a person. The Pope may be fixed, committed, unchanging, acting according to conviction, even "dogmatic," but "rigid" is a really poor choice. And if the author meant well, he/she doesn't belong at the Journal. Even on the weekend rag. Ditto for the editor.
'Rigid' is a slam. They intended that, I am sure. However, it is an honor in the Lord's eyes that the Pope would be seen as 'rigid,' for it means he is doing something right. If they had written 'orthodox' they would have used that as an insult too.
'Blessed are those who are reviled for My Name's Sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.'