While the pope emeritus may have declared that "papal decrees issued ex cathedra are the lowest form of doctrine", he didn't deny their power, and certainly the Pope's word can become law. To that extent, the Pope has sweeping powers to implement reforms as he sees fit (or not).
Francis can issue a papal decree whenever he feels like it. "Noli me tangere" would be a great name for a papal bull on reforming the Curia.
ἡ δὲ κἀκ τριῶν τρυπημάτων ἐργαζομένη ἐνεκάλει τῇ φύσει, δυσφορουμένη, ὅτι δὴ μὴ καὶ τοὺς τιτθοὺς αὐτῇ εὐρύτερον ἢ νῦν εἰσι τρυπώη, ὅπως καὶ ἄλλην ἐνταῦθα μίξιν ἐπιτεχνᾶσθαι δυνατὴ εἴη. – Procopius
Ummaka qinnassa nīk!
*MySmiley*