As the Cahiers de Doléances mount up in the in-tray of the Absolute Monarch* what is to be done? How to respond when the apparently guileless invitation to parrhesia is accepted?

Like Louis, Francis’s first reaction has been to sack a few ministers. But as with Louis, that will probably make things worse in the long run. And another Synod might, like the calling of the Estates General, solve no problems and simply bring matters to a head.

A change of style would be difficult; to admit mistakes virtually unthinkable.

Perhaps, as in 1789, things will simply take their course.

*see the letter of Fr Thomas Weinandy at http://magister.blogautore.espresso.repubblica.it/2017/11/01/a-theologian-writes-to-the-pope-there-is-chaos-in-the-church-and-you-are-a-cause/