For years Burke has trumpeted the authority of the pope, and condemned those who questioned that authority.  Of course, that was when he agreed with what popes were doing.  Today, Burke doesn't like what Francis is doing, so he now feels free to attack the pope.  Frankly, Burke's problem is a mix of hypocrisy and self-idolatry.  He doesn't practice what he has preached for decades.  As well, he thinks popes are right when they agree with him, and wrong when they don't.  He follows himself.  In terms of the Church, he's a 'fair weather friend' - willing to be part of the team when it agrees with him, and willing to attack the team when it doesn't bow down in awe before him.