<Part 3>

In the plane interview, Francis says the CDF told him about this second 1980 study.

Thus, despite being told the CDF had a pre-packaged negative answer to the first question, Francis’ ordered a new commission to re-examine the issue. Also, the Syrian theologian, the prior source of Francis’ knowledge on this question, was unsure about whether female deacons were real deacons. Finally, it is significant that Francis asked for names from two groups, one biased against women deacons, and the other biased in favour. 

I conclude from this Francis is honestly open to a positive or negative answer to the first question. Therefore, Pandora, your suggestion that by appointing a Commission Francis does not  want the question answered, is wrong. Contrary to your spin, Francis’ quote of a former Argentine president about commissions, Francis actually used the citation to insist on the exact opposite—he rejects the game of appointing Commissions to duck questions.

(cont.)