In these kinds of discussions, often used by as an excuse for poor leadership by papal apologists.
Why even have a pope if the issues closest to the faithful and most important to them are decided parish by parish? That's what protestants do. The church needs uniformity in liturgy and form (within a rite), as had been the case for centuries. The only way you ensure this is top down.
Because a Bishop is the head of a diocese, not just one parish. The Bishop is sovereign in his diocese, and is able to exercise prudential judgement.
The Pope is sovereign in the diocese of Rome, and Vatican City. The Church is the laity, in conjunction with Bishops, supporting the Pope. The Bishops, in union with the Pope, provide authoritative teaching, guidance, and direction to their dioceses.
Thus, there may be an issue in one diocese, but not another, and is best handled by the local ordinary.
So, no, this isn’t a leadership issue, nor an apologetic for the Pope. Rather, it is the explanation of how leadership is exercised at the appropriate level of organization.
In these kinds of discussions, often used by as an excuse for poor leadership by papal apologists.
...bingo...