Here is the paradox: this is good news for liberals when we have a conservative pope and liberal bishops.

What about when we have a liberal pope but conservative bishops?  What then?  Will liberals still be hailing decentralization?  Will they still be hailing the authority of national bishop's conferences?

I do believe that Vatican II does intend for decentralization by the way...it is just that I wonder if liberals will love decentralization if the bishops are more conservative.