Is Pope Francis' synodal extension a plan, or a punt?

Pope Francis has added an extra year to the global synodal process. Is that about slowing down the pace, or delaying the inevitable?

Pope Francis announced Sunday that he is extending the global synod on synodality by an extra year, creating a second session for the synod’s final meeting, which will now be held in October 2023 and 2024.

The pope’s decision to schedule an additional phase for the ordinary general assembly of the synod of bishops has been variously interpreted by pundit…