Nothing wrong with this. I don't think, however, you should attribute Burke's respectful, filial tone to some notion that he's cowed by fear of retaliation against himself or others. He is not, as far as I know, afraid of anyone. I respect Burke enough to assume hes saying exactly what he's called to say, in exactly the way he would say it if he were Fr. Ray at the Parish of St. Mary of the Back-of-the-Woods.
His criticisms are exact and objective, he's careful not top give scandal, he does not impute evil motive to the Pope, and he is not conniving in terms preserving "position" for himself or others. He's just one who understands the respect that any man deserves even in the midst of conflict,and the special veneration owed to the Successor of Peter.
And like Paul, I believe he would confront Peter "to his face".
I don't. I believe he exercises prudence.
the special veneration owed to the Successor of Peter.
We "venerate" the Blessed Mother, the Saints, and sacred relics, not popes (unless they are also saints).