Of course, in the same interview he was quickly slapping down any suggestion that the church might change its stance on ordaining women which is just nuts — they need to get with the times on this, and on marriage for priests too. However, he did make some noises about being more lenient about divorce. And the statement on gays is a huge step in the right direction.

When this pope washed the feet of a Muslim woman earlier this year, it was clear to me that he was something new. I look forward to further developments.