This year poses huge challenges across the world, none more so than for Francis, anxious to secure his reforms to the Church yet aware that he is approaching his 80th birthday Since his election almost three yeas ago, Pope Francis has gone about his business as if time was in short supply. This is understandable: by the end of 2016 he will be 80, the retirement age for cardinals, and surely a moment for him to reflect on his future in the Chair of St Peter. With trips to Africa and the United States, the Synod on the Family, another Vatileaks scandal and the start of the Holy Year of Mercy, the final months of last year were a particularly intense period for the Pope. But don’t expect the pace to slacken in 2016. In fact, Francis is expected to hit the accelerator pedal with his re