Cardinal Cupich expects the summit to clarify “to all that they are not alone in implementing measures and that they have to resolve as a body, as the college of bishops, to own this issue.”

A sentence of laicization—sometimes referred to colloquially as defrocking—would complete a stunning fall from grace for the former cardinal.

“As long as there is a dictatorship in Venezuela, it is better not to return,” said Alexander. “I feel that there is an illegitimate government, a power that literally controls everything, but also an opposition that has defrauded the people many times.”

Gerry told me this week, “I think it’s difficult to convey the long-term consequences that could emerge from this visit.”

Pope Francis has downplayed expectations about the Feb. 21-24 summit at the Vatican on the sexual abuse crisis, but many hope it is a step toward a system with more accountability.

During a 45-minute press conference on the flight from Abu Dhabi to Rome, Pope Francis answered questions about whether the Holy See would be ready to act as a mediator to avoid a civil war in Venezuela, the problem of the sexual abuse of nuns by clergy in the Catholic Church and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.