One of the most well reasoned posts written by a FR Protestant in a while. 1) You understand the Constitutional questions this could raise for all churches, 2) US Law does not have jurisdiction over the Vatican. While this Pope is a left wing idiot, it was Pope John Paul II and the Catholic Church in Poland that worked with Reagan and Thatcher to start the movement that was the end of the beginning of Communist-Stalinist leaders in Eastern Europe.
Traditional Catholics need to pressure Francis on these questions about McCarrick, etc.. In terms of what Francis nothing he says short of calling a 3 Vatican Council is relevant. The next thing I will pay attention to is when he resigns or pasts from this earth. Then while I did not care for him as Pope, I will pray for God’s Mercy on his Soul.
His immediate resignation and surrender to the civil authorities either in Italy or Argentina would be more relevant.