"Forty [5] Days and Forty [5] Nights, You Were..."

.... reading my application for a decree of nullity?

Listening to the radio on the way out this am, I heard someone who was identified as a bishop, (think I recognized the voice, but not certain, so I will not name him,) and then later a broadcaster saying essentially the same thing, that they don't know where in the world the media came up with the idea that Pope Francis said the expedited, "fast-track," each party stipulates to what the other has or will say, annulment process must be completed in 45 days.

Who knew?
Serves me right for listening to them,

The process should be free, except for a nominal fee for administrative costs, and should be completed within 45 days.

and them

These fast-track cases may be heard as soon as 30 days after a couple files an application, and at most within 45 days.

In all fairness, neither uses "must", but that is how people are hearing it.
I believe I heard it expressed that such celerity was demanded by the motu proprio on local news.

And it's certainly what a lot of people in irregualr situations think has happened.

Most talking head seem to ignore such niceties as the difference between an event which "can take only 45 days," and "can only take 45 days."
Or mayhap I misheard.

Unfortunately, there is one other matter, which I fear is really setting up a situation where many people are going to be disappointed, not to say furious.
Just as bad reporting raised expectation of last years Synod, this --

The annulment process will be free of charge.

-- has been widely reported.

Flat out WRONG.

To bring up the same analogies as before, anyone who has acquired a mortgage, or filed corporate papers, or obtained a civil divorce, or applied to be a member of an owners' association for a co-op, knows how "administration" charges pile up, even with the best will from those doing the work and assessing the charges.

This is especially true in cities as opposed to little townships.
Where do you think most chanceries are?
And do secretaries, notaries, researchers, etc. not have a right to earn their daily bread?

Frankly, it is very lucky for most of the Church right now that the Holy Father is teflon.
(And unlucky for the bishops who will bear the brunt of the anger that is coming.)