Think I've worked out the problem now when it comes to the criticism the Pope gets.
From what I've read, Pope Francis identifies 'rigidity' as a problem mostly linked with clericalism and he is very critical of it and uses quite a lot of colourful language in order to get his message across.
Correct me if i am wrong.
People are conflating the problem of 'rigidity' as applying also to other conditions and people as a result.
'Rigidity' has become a dirty word but it is being taken out of the context from the problem the pope is trying to identify.
For example:
Rigidity when keeping the tradition of the church?! rigidity when it comes to doctrine?! and church laws?! and everything under the sun and people are identifying themselves as rigid and are getting insulted as a result too. All of these is being levelled at the pope in a 'gunny sacking' kind of way.
There is no way the pope can please all of the people, all of the time.
Clericalism IS repulsive; It separates people, it makes some people want to put others onto impossible pedestals and the disappointment that results then when their ideas of 'righteousness' is not in evidence.
Its not fair to the cleric or to the people he is trying to lead.
Also, i imagine it makes communication almost impossible as one person is being designated as the ultimate authority, so it could be 'my way or the high way' and case closed if there is ever a difference of opinion or a need to resolve an issue.
The Pope is then coming under '
Ad Hominem' attacks as they do not trust his empirical evidence when it comes to 'rigidity' and the serious problems it represents.
Ad hominem; a big shiny new word i learned recently.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem
That's just my two cents anyway and probably my final say for quite some time.