In a question-and answer-session with the Polish bishops during his recent visit to that country, Pope Francis made some striking observations about the role of the parish in the Church’s life. He said that parishes are irreplaceable. “The parish cannot be touched,” he said. “It has to remain as a place of creativity, a reference point, a mother, all these things.” In other words, the structure of the local Church, which dates back at least to the time of the Council of Trent, if not before, is not in need of fundamental change.