Under Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals became less European
There are 135 cardinals who are eligible to vote in the coming papal election, and a plurality (40%) are from Europe. That’s down from 51% in 2013.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Read our research on:
International
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Around the World, Many People Are Leaving Their Childhood Religions
In many places surveyed, 20% or more of all adults have left their childhood religious group. Christianity and Buddhism have had especially large losses.
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What Age Do People Around the World Think Is Best to Reach Major Life Milestones?
People in mostly middle-income survey countries say it’s ideal to start a family and own a home by 30, and retire by 60.
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Pope Francis and public opinion: Key findings from our surveys
At least 80% of Catholics have expressed a favorable opinion of Pope Francis in 10 of the 15 U.S. surveys in which we have asked about the pope since 2013.
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What makes someone ‘truly’ belong in a country? Views differ on language, birthplace, other factors
When asked what it takes to “truly” belong in a country, many people globally say speaking the local language is key.
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Government Restrictions on Religion Stayed at Peak Levels Globally in 2022
Long-term analysis of 198 countries and territories shows government restrictions on religion and social hostilities toward religious groups go hand in hand.
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Striking findings from 2024
Here’s a look back at 2024 through 14 of our most striking research findings.
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Wide partisan divisions remain in Americans’ views of the war in Ukraine
Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to say the United States is providing too much support to Ukraine (42% vs. 13%).
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Slight uptick in Americans wanting U.S. to help diplomatically resolve Israel-Hamas war
In the year since Hamas attacked Israel, and Israel responded by invading Gaza, U.S. public opinion on the war shifted modestly.
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Many Catholics in the U.S. and Latin America Want the Church to Allow Birth Control and to Let Women Become Priests
Views vary on other ideas, such as recognizing same-sex marriages. Most see Pope Francis as a change in the church’s direction, and he’s broadly popular.
