Popes have been holding ornery cardinals accountable for centuries without making it public. Many are the ways Francis could have dealt with this other than the public scolding. But by going the route he did, he only ratcheted up Sarah's cred with conservatives -- and, in the process, made the cardinal a martyr to the cause.

Now, instead of the narrative being about local bishops conferences approving liturgical texts, it's all about a feud between Pope Francis and Cardinal Sarah. It was the same when Francis personally took on Trump during the campaign. It changed the story from the plight of immigrants to something personal between the two men.

Popes simply can't play this game. They have to understand that if they're smart and wait things out, they hold all the cards. Francis' greatest asset is the dignity of the papacy and he should never put that at risk. He's got to see the big picture.