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.

Pope Francis made history this morning when he celebrated Mass for more than 135,000 Catholics from many nations and cultures at the Zayed Sports stadium in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.