MSW says that the Bishop's decree is "so completely at odds with the direction Pope Francis is trying to take the church" - 
Can anyone tell me when Pope Francis changed Church teaching?

All persons in a state of sin - including those that Fr. Martin delineates- are supposed to refrain from presenting themselves for Communion...UNLESS they have sought reconciliation.  That has NOT changed, has it?  And that was mentioned by the Bishop - despite MSW's inference to the contrary.