Dogma is Settled

The problem today is not that Pope Francis says or does things that appear to be out of accord with the Catholic faith (that has happened with every Pope since St. Peter); the problem is that people (including some well meaning Catholics) behave as though every word that the Pope says is instantly a new dogma. That exhibits a grave misunderstanding of both dogma and the papacy. Dogma is settled and unchangeable, and short of the (rare) ex cathedra statements (which are usually clarifications or explanations of things already believed), there are no "new" dogmas; ever; at all; in any way; for all eternity. The Pope's job is to protect the faith and help us understand it, and we are to trust the Lord to show him how to do that and protect us as we go through this process.