Monica, I think the essential structural change Francis is diligently working on is V2 collegiality. Assuming that is primarily what he is about in terms of major reform, the only thing he can do is lead the bishops to water and invite them to drink, to speak up, to disagree, etc. That is happening.  

It would be antithetical to this thrust for Francis to fall back on the V1 understanding of the Bishop of Rome, and introduce reform by dictate. I am not at all convinced, for example, that Francis personally believes women cannot be priests. Were he to initiate such a reform (women priests) using his V1 authority, he would continue the subversion of V2 collegiality of St. JP2 and B16. Were he to call a synod on the topic, the conservatives would rule the day, and possibly erect another barrier in the form of one more stupid statement against female ordination. 

I know I am reading tea leaves here, but I gotta call them as I see them. ;-}