The current Synod on the Family will be decisive according to Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga SDB, a cardinal who is close to Francis and who believes the outcome will bridge the gulf between church teaching and practice by BRENDAN WALSH “There has never been a reform in the history of the Church that has not had to overcome obstacles. It is a good sign. If we did not have any opposition, we would know we are on the wrong path.” Speaking in London, where he had stopped off to give the annual Archbishop Romero lecture on his way to Rome (see Notebook, p.18), the man often considered to be Pope Francis’ closest adviser seems relaxed, even ebullient, in the face of the likely disputes and struggles ahead. “You know,” Rodríguez says, “I b