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Papal Will. Although the ground rules for the synod limit discussion to the five picked topics, it is not impossible that the agenda will be broadened. The 182 attending bishops include a strong representation of renewal-minded prelates, some of whom have already indicated that they want the floor thrown open for debate on other issues. Whether they succeed depends largely on the mind and will of Pope Paul, who now seems to have recovered sufficiently from his prostate condition so that an operation may not be necessary until after the synod ends next month. Unlike an ecumenical council, which has well-defined ecclesiastical powers to legislate for the church, the synod is a purely papal creation. If Paul wants no further reform, the bishops can hardly rebel against his wishes.
*A vaulted room in the Vatican Palace that for 300 years was used as a storage space for discarded and broken statues. The cellar has been hastily tidied up and furbished with white leather armchairs, air conditioning, and earphones for simultaneous translation of the multilingual discussions.