When "the rule" involves relationships as serious as those of marriage, a healthy environment for minor children as well as one's intimate relationship with God, it's a little more complicated and complex to apply one-size-fits-all mandates.  We are adults, not children, and have a right to involve our own consciences, to discern our own path with Jesus, and to receive His mercy -- accompanied by a merciful Church, which is what Francis is advocating.