By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Pope Francis' remarks to reporters about gays and lesbians on his return trip to Rome from Rio de Janeiro are being noticed by those in the LGBT community.
Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, says he was surprised by the Pope's remarks. Martin says Pope Francis' comments saying he won't judge priests for their sexual orientation were remarkable.
READ: Pope Francis: 'Who am I to judge' gay clergy?
"I really hope that this leads to a larger conversation within the church, within its confines, in its pews and outside, that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people need to be treated with equality, and deserve dignity and equality. To be honest, and that's what I hope it means."
Martin says overwhelmingly, American and Pennsylvania Catholics have been way ahead of the church leadership on this issue.
"Many people in the pews, if not the majority in the pews will say, 'Holy Father, welcome, it's about time.' I think that's generally going to be their response."
LGBT Activist: Pope's Comments About Gay Priests 'Remarkable'
/ CBS Philadelphia
By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Pope Francis' remarks to reporters about gays and lesbians on his return trip to Rome from Rio de Janeiro are being noticed by those in the LGBT community.
Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, says he was surprised by the Pope's remarks. Martin says Pope Francis' comments saying he won't judge priests for their sexual orientation were remarkable.
READ: Pope Francis: 'Who am I to judge' gay clergy?
"I really hope that this leads to a larger conversation within the church, within its confines, in its pews and outside, that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people need to be treated with equality, and deserve dignity and equality. To be honest, and that's what I hope it means."
Martin says overwhelmingly, American and Pennsylvania Catholics have been way ahead of the church leadership on this issue.
"Many people in the pews, if not the majority in the pews will say, 'Holy Father, welcome, it's about time.' I think that's generally going to be their response."
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Philadelphia
Archbishop Nelson Perez says he's fine after fainting during mass in Philly
Are you bad with money? How understanding your brain can help your finances
Court orders DHS to allow clergy inside Whipple Building for pastoral care
Community leaders gather to reimagine public safety
Insurer settles with owner, operator of ship that hit Baltimore's Key Bridge
Heart transplant recipient's foundation helps improve health care access
1 hurt in Rio Linda shooting; deputies investigating scene
Man accused of scamming Georgia church out of over $60,000 arrested in Virginia