J.D. Flynn for National Review:

But the real story is less satisfying to the media. The real story is that Chaput and Francis have much in common. That they’re allies, and that they’re both working, in partnership with laity, for Christian renewal. The real story is that Francis is committed to the Church’s moral teaching, and that Chaput is committed to the Church’s social outreach. But that story isn’t good clickbait.

Beating up on a generous leader, for the sins of being transparent, candid, and human, is a stretch by journalistic standards. But it does build a straw man, and it works to advance a social agenda. Even if it’s “blinded to reality.”