He didn't lose them to secularism.  Indifferentism may be a part, but the scandal, the laundries, the refusal to budge on women, on birth control, all sent the message that the laity doesn't matter.  So they left.

Yes, this IS about priorities.  Francis, and those before him chose the wrong ones.  And I see nothing in this article to suggest any chance.  So the trend there will continue...