My Grandmother told us stories from Canada wilderness where her mother was born. They often would not see a priest for three or more years. When a priest did come through the area, couples would have their unions blessed, children would be baptized....they did not wait for a priest to marry or have children...they were Catholic, lived life and the priest would bless them, as he should in the eyes of God... When he was able to minister to them.
Yes, that was how it was done, especially in what was mission territory. There’s nothing “taboo breaking” about the Pope’s actions.
I guess the difference is now that the whole world is mission territory!