I have read widely about the particular papal exhortation that is drawing all the thunder. As much as the pope is encouraging dialogue, he seems to be reluctant to participate regarding the troublesome footnote. He states he forgot what is in it. As some point, pastoral practice reflects doctrine. What Catholics believe cannot vary by pope and country. The universal church needs to be clear about what we believe. There is great confusion on some important issues and that serves no one. A synod including a small number of bishops is not speaking for the entire church. I would expect clarification by the pope. How does his teaching square with that of his predecessors?