I think the four cardinals genuinely believe that they are rendering a service to the church. I recognize their sincerity and their love for the church. Moreover, their questions represent the thinking of other members of the church.

However, I think it is a mistake to think that Pope Francis has not answered the cardinals. His silence IS the answer. Quod scripsit, scripsit. Much ink has been spilled, many words have been expended (not a few by Francis himself), commenting on 'Amoris laetitia'. Francis has endorsed the response of the bishops of Argentina. He need say nothing more; he ought to say nothing more. In the end, these four cardinals do not seek clarification; they demand capitulation. Francis can’t, won’t and shouldn't do that.