I was under the impression that Catholics view their church, the pope, etc. as god's official representative?
So many ways to answer that...lol.
Let's frame it in a modern American lens. It's fair to say there is a strong subculture within the U.S. Conference Of Bishops. This has often been outspoken of the central papacy, and been critical at times of Francis.
There is also clear political jockeying at times, including on the appointment of Francis and in the positioning of his successor.
This is largely without any deliberately agitating external party being involved. Replace the US government with a totalitarian regime traditionally hostile to Christianity, and with the ability to censure and punish within their borders as they see fit.
Do you think that regime could have an earthly impact on the Church in their region? Do you think over time such impacts can have an effect on belief, even if only an adjustment in whether communism is seen as more or less compatible with Jesus' teachings?
I do, in both cases.