He only talks to those who will listen to him, sycophants. When anyone asks him a straight question he doesn't answer. At one time it was said, 'Roma locuta est, causa finita est (Rome hath spoken, the matter is ended)."
Now Rome resolutely refuses to speak so the matter is not ended, the controversy continues to rage over the last 18 months and will continue to do so until it is resolved one way or the other. Only the pope can resolve it, why doesn't he? What is he afraid of? The Petrine office is one of leadership not subterfuge (hiding behind words in private letters).