A Church that “walks together”, to borrow one of Pope Francis’ favourite phrases, is one that stays together. Throughout his pontificate the Latin American Pope has repeatedly called for a “synodal” Church, one that addresses its problems collectively.

For the restless, practically-focused Francis, this has meant nudging the Church out of the comfort of a stationary position. But two recent Vatican statements – one on women priests and another on the admission to Communion of non-Catholic Christians – show he is also wary of anyone pushing forward too quickly ahead of the group.