Christine Quinn: Pope's Gay Comments 'Terrific'

New York City mayoral candidate Christine Quinn says Pope Francis' statements on gays are "terrific."

The openly gay Democrat said Tuesday on CNN that the pope deserves a lot of credit for saying he won't judge priests for their sexual orientation.

Quinn, who is Catholic, called it "enormous progress."

In his first news conference Monday, the pope said gay clergymen should be forgiven. The comments didn't signal any chance in church policy. They indicated a shift in tone and an emphasis on a church that is more inclusive and merciful rather than critical and disciplinary.

Quinn said she'd like to see more changes in the church but said the pope's remarks were a step forward.