Pope: 'God Is Not Afraid Of New Things'

[Lurks Often]

88. I think Francis is a bit more "progressive" regarding some social issues

Again, all we are likely to see are incremental changes, he isn't going to drastically change the Catholic Church overnight or even in his lifetime, it's too big of a bureaucracy with too many entrenched traditionally Catholic bishops and cardinals for radical changes.

Pope Francis isn't interested in the perks of being Pope, he isn't living in the Papal Quarters and seems to be remaining the same humble man he was reported to be when he was in Argentina. I also get the sense of a gradual softening toward the LGBT community by Pope Francis from the Church's previous position.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/pope-who-am-i-judge-gay-people-f6C10780741

Is it a huge leap forward, of course not, but it is at least a step in the right direction.

Francis has only been the Pope for a bit more then 18 monthes, it will be interesting to see what does in the years to come.

And none of the above is meant to suggest that the Catholic Church doesn't have a very long way to go in many areas.