Regular readers of this column will know that Pope Francis gets a very positive rating from me, both theologically and in terms of his personal style. But that does not make him perfect in my eyes. This should come as no surprise – both because of my egotism and because this is what it is to be human.

I believe he is sincere in wanting women to play a larger part in the upper echelons of the Church. There is no question that they play an absolutely essential role in the “lower” (and Christ-favoured) echelons of service, charity and devotion.