The first six months of the papacy of Francis have seen perceptions of the Catholic Church transformed beyond recognition. Its image when Pope Benedict stood down was dire. Catholicism was regarded as narrow-minded, corrupt and sclerotic. This was unfair to the millions of ordinary Catholics, laity and clergy, who were none of these things, nor was it fair to Benedict, and it concealed a burgeoning desire for renewal. Even when that pressure was belatedly recognised, in the discussions among the cardinals prior to the election of Pope Francis and then in the election itself, a secular interpretation was imposed. The outcome was seen in terms of a change of policy, especially a shift towards a progressive position and away from a conservative one, a shift from right to left. But that herme