For some reason, the phrase "Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out" keeps coming to mind. I remember it from the book by Robert Graves, Claudius the God.
The Emperor Claudius realises that he has, by his attempts at benevolent rule, effectively scuppered all chances of a true Republic being restored, as all the evil, corruption and intrigues are hidden away. He determines to make those around him show their true colours by being unresisting and compliant. He will be "Old King Log," inert and unprotesting, as everything gets worse and worse before it just has to be overthrown.
It seems so very appropriate. I can't help wondering if there was something of this in the resignation of Pope Benedict. Some of the madder bishops appear to have been kept in check by their knowledge that they would be called out by the CDF and now, under Pope Francis, they appear happy to show their true natures.
In the book, Claudius's plan didn't quite work out the way he intended. In contrast, we have Christ's promise that he Church will prevail in the end - unfortunately we don't know how bad things will get in the meantime.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to pray that it's not an oncoming train.