I can't say I've defended the RCC much in the last 10 years. What is there to defend? They are decades out of date. Frankie is too liberal for conservatives and not anywhere near liberal enough for progressives. The Mass of Paul VI is bland and boring. Attend a Mass sometime and you'll notice a majority of people barely going through the motions, mumbling through the hymn lyrics, etc. Young adult Catholics who retain their faith often leave the RCC for younger churches with Xtian rock music, youthful social activities/groups, and pastors/ministers with spouses & young families. They connect better with those folks than they do with RCC geriatrics in fancy robes who can barely hold up the communion goblet during the consecration/transubstantiation.