The rules about communion have always been as they are now.  The Church does not change.  Communion is, as Jesus taught, a reward for good behavior, good being defined, as Jesus taught, by a group of Men in Rome who, as a group, are infallible.  We read in the Gospels how Jesus said, "do this in memory of Me, utilizing wheat-based bread containing gluten, following the proper rituals and observing the requisite fast, having confessed your sins to a lawfully recognized member of the priesthood (even one who is engaging in child rape or other crimes)."  Nothing has changed in the Church since that day, and it is sad the Pope would suggest change is ever possible.  Faith has been solidified, and is contained in the unchanging rituals, rites, traditions, teachings, habits, accidents, vestments, and Catechism of the One True Unchanging Church.