it makes us all yearn for those times when the clergy all agreed that the sale of indulgences and the Inquisition. . . .
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There was never such a time; however, you do what the pope says whether you like it or not. When you don’t do what he says then it is time to leave The Church, like Martin Luther did.
No, you don’t “do what the Pope says.” If he’s saying something - basically reaffirming something - that is in line with tradition and the constant teaching of the Church since the time of the Apostles, then you listen to him. If he’s creating his own “teachings” that are in conflict with Tradition or creating “doctrine” about global warming, the glories of Communism and world government or some other secular theme, you don’t have to listen to him at all.
Many Catholics in the pews recognize this, and much of the hierarchy does too - but they are such lily-livered careerists that they’re too scared to say it. Francis is vicious and pretty ruthless, so it’s very possible they’d lose their jobs...but what they would do for the Church by showing a little courage would probably guarantee their entry to Heaven! But they’re just cowardly bureaucrats at heart.
A policy that bit the dust at Nuremberg. I'm pretty sure that Christ indicated that it always makes better sense to do the will of Father rather than any man.
Remember that men chose the pope, not God. A crappy pope is as easy to change as a vacuum tube. Use a hanky when it is hot.(Some remember those)
If you read the article, you’ll see that Cdl Burke specifically demolishes thr notion that Catholicism is whatever the Pope says it is. But the acid test is not “whether I like it or not” but whether this is what the church has always taught or not.