"Evvvverrrr-RREeeeEEeee sperrrrem is sacred everreerreeee sperm is great,
If a sperm is wasted God get quite irate!!!"~Monty Python TheMeaning of Life
I just look at the current changes as Catholicism for the 21st century.
The church I believe picked the previous pope knowing he was a hard liner conservative. They also knew he was quite old and would not sit long. So the Vatican was able to keep the conservative face for a bit of time but knew that progressive changes were needed to be made since church attendance is on the decline along with diminishing donations. (just a theory of mine)
Then they picked a younger more progressive pope.
He has the authority to "make stuff up." Just like King Henry had the authority to anoint himself the head of the Church of England. Yes made stuff up.
Sensing a theme here. They all make stuff up!
I personally am glad these, (imo) positive changes to this ancient institution are being implemented.
The Catholic church and it's policies, be they made up or not, are still a institution that grounds and forms a positive influence in many peoples lives.
I can see why non believers feel the Catholics are making stuff up though, many Catholics are probably thinking the same thing.
"You were not there for the beginning. You will not be there for the end. Your knowledge of what is going on can only be superficial and relative" William S. Burroughs