I don't know about that. Seems like a few "Vaticancides" have been taking place lately. Like that priest "apparently" hanging himself at St. Luke's Hospital for Reprobates.
On the other hand, look at all the "good" that has come out of the Protestant revolution. Christ's Church divided, resulting in countless wars and suffering. The revolution brought us the incoherent doctrine of "scripture alone" which logically results in as many versions of Christianity as their are people –in direct contradiction of scripture which tells us that the Church is the "pillar and foundation of truth."
No, faithful Catholics will remain in Christ's Church for better or worse, and do what they can to reform it. There is more than a little bit of pride in taking the attitude that "I will not belong to a Church with a corrupt and sinful hierarchy."
I'm wrestling with this question. Offhand, it would seem that their consciences have been corrupted and deadened by their worldly approach to governing the church and the honors and deference associated therewith. Some of the corruption and truth evasion goes far deeper than the recent scandals and relate to false teachings and practices that have crept in.
I'm waiting for a brave honest Priest to post a series of Theses to debate the proper response to the corruption in the Church. At least the Priest need not fear for his life, this time.
The brave, honest laity have already posted quite a series of "theses" and they are going unheeded. Priests are too caught up into the system to be able to see clearly. They accept things as they are probably out of fear of making waves. The only ones who seem to have the courage to speak out are the dissenters primarily.
As to fearing for his life, it would depend on how far he would go in speaking out. The hierarchy wouldn't necessarily put out a contract on him (although I wouldn't rule that out entirely), but certain elements in some quarters might think they were doing God a favor by silencing such a one permanently.