Indeed, I have read AL -- to include the famous footnote.  The one Francis claims not to remember.  It says (and means) precisely nothing.
Jesus, on the other hand, didn't deal in footnotes.  His yes meant yes, and his no meant no.
In any case, you're quite right, Francis's silence is the most "eloquent" and instructive possible response, in that it reflects his unchristian contempt for those who dare to question him.