I think it's funny when me, the atheist, defends the Pope to people of his own religion. I'm finding myself doing this more and more lately. The poor dude is trying to bring the Catholic church into the modern times (or closer to it, anyway), to keep it alive, and all they just seem to hate everything that he does and says. I do sort of feel bad. Anyone else?
The poor dude is only acknowledging that the roman church has no more power over the world and must change or be swallowed by the modern world.
Give an army to him or enough fanatics to see how moderated he is...
The next months/years in Poland for instance will be a good experience of the moderation of the roman church when it is back to power.
Don't be fooled the internal organization of the church is still feudal, they only don't have the armies and political power anymore to impose it o the world.
It is amazing but comedian and atheist, Bill Maher, would be someone else that follows your sympathy. I say amazing because Maher is ruthless against religion. Pope Francis seems to have a broad appeal. It is something that, at least, raises some respect in me.