Catholics respond to Pope's civil unions support

Pope Francis became first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions in comments for a documentary that premiered Wednesday, sparking cheers from gay Catholics and demands for clarification from conservatives, given Vatican's official teaching on issue.

papal thumbs-up came midway through feature-length documentary "Francesco," which premiered at Rome Film Festival.  film delves into issues Pope Francis cares about most, including environment, poverty, migration, racial and income inequality, and people most affected by discrimination. Catholics visiting St. Louis Cadral in French Quarter of New Orleans said y're supportive of Pope's remarks.

"We shouldn't be excluding people," said Rayven Davis, a Catholic visiting New Orleans from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. "We should accept or people's views. It might t impact us directly, but it means a lot to m. And I'm glad to be part of a world that's becoming more accepting of different lifestyles and people's choices and hope that or people will be open to same and at least considerate if t accept it mselves."

Phillip Aguilar, a Catholic visiting from Austin, Texas, says Pope gave many people what y've wanted to hear for a long time – acceptance. "It's big," he said.