With call for Pope Francis to resign, divisions within the Catholic Church explode into view

Dublin • Pope Francis has long faced criticism from traditionalists — a group that includes academics as well as cardinals — who say the church is too willingly following the whims of the anything-goes modern age.Much of the dissent has remained within the Vatican’s walls as Francis’ opponents worked to stonewall reforms. A few high-ranking church leaders have questioned him publicly about his teachings. But the simmering opposition has suddenly exploded across the C