A theologian's job is to listen to and understand what God has already said, and then explain it.
"Listening to ordinary people" isn't really in the job description, at least as far as the "what" of theology is concerned. Maybe in regard to the "how," but that's it.
This is what he said to the group of theologians. Still trying to clarify it. AP is a liberal news organization. Francis says a lot of crazy things, but this was beyond belief, so calls for more investigation.
Straight from the Vatican. The AP piece about listening to lay people might be BS. More to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pOiL5I9pac