[AU72]

Francis jumped the gun on the timing of the Synod. Almost all the Cardinals and Bishops were appointed by JP2 and Benedict. The voting on the final document was close. Given just a few years it would be a different result.

Don't want to wish ill health on anybody, but.

[Verginius Rufus]

Pope Francis will be 80 years old in 14 months. Of course he does not have to retire at 80, but he may have felt he could not afford to put off the synod since he doesn’t know how long he will be alive or in good health.