I think you're right about the Church not responding well to the rapid changes in society. This is an institution accustomed to dealing with change in terms of centuries, not months or years.

That's not to say that the Church can't adapt, and I think Pope Francis recognizes that need. But it's a tough sell to a hierarchy formed with a whole different paradigm.

I wonder if Francis' choosing new cardinals primarily from the developing world is, at least partly, in recognition of this need to adapt. Those who live in places where poverty is rampant understand the need to change systems much better than those who live in places where they benefit from the status quo.