...."Francis’ urgent task is to change this elite, clerical culture"....

Even if 'the clerical culture' did not cause the abuse, it is the primary reason for the coverup; If abusing 'clergy' are 'the church' then 'the church' has to be protected. And law-suites and recompense to victims hurts 'the church' and its  image. 

True, we have a long history of dividing the Catholic Christian community into those who are 'Clerics' and those who are 'laity'.

The question is – is such a division a necessity??

Those in 'hierarchical' leadership positions could be 'laity'. They were in the early church. It took a few centuries before positions of Elder, Bishop or priest were reserved to a specialized 'professional' class designated as 'clerics'.

All offices and functions in the Church could be assigned to 'laity';  and be temporary jobs for as long as a person is willing, able, and capable.

Some still may abuse their power & position, but they would not be 'the church' quite so much.