The Pope’s speech reinforces a parental governance of the people of God, and with that, Pope Francis is clearly assuming, that the "flock" always need fatherly guidance and protection. I suspect that any questioning of the father would be seen as disobedient, perhaps tolerated, but, disobedient.

No, I do not think paternal works for me, but if I were a bishop? I know as an Adult Woman of Adult Faith, I need to be "listened to", but, I do not need to be patronized. Of course, we don’t know, if any of the bishops felt patronized, do we?

The Pope’s style while it can be viewed as refreshing, even exciting at times, still speaks of an old, old way of being and doing business in the Church. Overall, I do not believe, a paternalistic approach can move the Church forward. It appears to be that Pope Francis is reinforcing a parent-child relationship, not only with the bishops, but, the entire people of God. That simply cannot and will not square with an emerging Adult Church.

The Adult Church is not looking to Papa for the answers, or expecting a scolding when Papa is disappointed. The Adult Church is looking for mutual co-operation and this cannot be achieved with a paternalistic attitude from Pope Francis or the Vatican.

Still, Pope Francis has initiated many significant changes that will hopefully stand the test of time. Just as he told the bishops, do not expect to change people, Pope Francis cannot be changed either, except by God. As I put forward a couple of blogs ago, so much depends on who Pope Francis is listening to.

In terms of the "overhaul" of the Church, we still have a long way to go. Realistically, there is a limit as to how much change we can expect. However, paternal or not, Pope Francis has done what he can for renewal. God grant him many years!

Perhaps, one day, will come along, a pope who is able to move the changes deeper and further. Someone who is able to interact with the entire people of God in a manner of equality and mutuality, as well as, being someone who is able to accommodate more of the voices of change, even, if they have been branded as dissenters. It must be a pope who is truly willing to surrender power and control, so as to allow for the laity, to be truly central to the Church. Most importantly, it will be a pope who has journeyed well into the heavenly life with the Lord, even on earth, to know, that women must be front and centre of the priestly ministry of Christ, and in particular, women must be todays’ preachers.