"And the rest of us, the vast majority of Catholics in the pews? We love the pope and we are with him."

Amen, MSW.  Yes, most Catholics are invigorated by this Pope, by his openness to dialogue that previous popes shut down and to revisit at least some old "established" doctrines which need development to answer the needs of today.

Of course, Pope Francis has a long way to go in creating forums for on-going and inclusive dialogue, especially dialogue that includes laity and particularly women.  But, he has made a beginning with questionnaires before Synods and more open discussion at Bishop's synods.  What we need now are diocesan synods wide open to allow people to express their thoughts even on the issues some think are "defined doctrine," like contraceptives, married priests, women priests, the "intrinsic normalcy" of LGBTQI people.  

We need to get started.  Lots for the Holy Spirit resident in the baptized lay priests to talk about and to teach the Church, Holy Father.