text: This comes as no surprise, and neither will the decision to restore the female diaconate be a surprise.  Francis is crafty and bright.  Notice how we are slowly, very slowly, moving along in the right direction where the church will one day be again the gospel-centered fellowship it was meant to be rather than a hierarchy-centered club that it had become.  Francis doesn't do splashy things but allows time to peacefully and prayerfully unfold the Vatican II church that we were promised 50 years ago but had  snatched away by the two you-know-whos.  I think that even the total acceptance of gay marriage will be realized if not through the wisdom of Francis, then by his successor.  And the icing on the cake will be the ministerial priesthood open to everyone.  It all takes time.  In Francis's pontificate it is important and necessary to read between the lines ... and wait ... wait ... wait.  Perhaps that's why we need to celebrate Advent every year, so we can become a more patient people.