My Advice? Step Down

So, what do you tell the Pope? If it were me, here’s what I’d say: “Your Holiness, with all due respect, there are two things you must do, and two more you might do. The first two are fairly easy. Get rid of Fernandez; then dump the Declaration. As for the remaining two, these are optional, but I’d strongly recommend both. Resign the Office that has become so tortuous to occupy; then go off to the nearest monastery for a life of prayer and penance.” Who knows, perhaps the former prefect can be persuaded to accompany the former pope into the silence? It could do wonders for both their souls. There is zero likelihood of this happening, by the way. So, why do I bother? Isn’t it a bit like spitting in the wind? Or trying to square the circle? I do it because the Gospel demands it.