You write as though the CHURCH is only the hierarchy [the 4% of Catholics who are ordained bishops and higher].  Sorry, but the CHURCH is all baptized Catholics.  Vatican II was laying the ground for all Catholics to discuss and vote upon issues of faith and morals.  Does this imply that people have an educated understanding of these issues?  YES!  Does it mean that DIALOGUE occurs between priests, arch/bishops, cardinals and the pope?  YES!

But it does not mean that the official church [the 4% clergy & hierarchy] continue to act as if they OWN the church or all the only ones who have received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  This excessive clericalism was promoted and enhanced during the pontificate of JP II and continued by Benedict XVI.