There is no question that the process for the appointment of bishops should be updated. But the election of bishops with procedures similar to democratic elections would only exacerbate all kinds of rifts in the Catholic Church today.

Recent weeks have brought a number of stories that reveal how Pope Francis aims to lead the church on this issue.

Catholics have every right to demand action, but there must be discernment and prayer before making decisions. Then comes the courage to enact necessary change.

German Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising spoke as the German bishops' conference prepares for a workshop debate to "review" the issue of celibacy for priests.

While the Vatican is known for its slow pace, even the speediest bureaucracy would have found it difficult to review and approve sensitive legal documents over a long weekend.

2018 will no doubt be remembered as a dark time for the U.S. Catholic Church.