Catholics in Latin America generally have positive views of Pope Leo
In six Latin American countries surveyed, most Catholics view Pope Leo XIV favorably, though his ratings trail those Pope Francis received early in his papacy.
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In six Latin American countries surveyed, most Catholics view Pope Leo XIV favorably, though his ratings trail those Pope Francis received early in his papacy.
About eight-in-ten U.S. Catholics view Pope Leo XIV favorably, though opinions on the tension between Leo and President Trump split sharply along party lines.
Most U.S. adults who go to religious services say they’ve recently heard from their clergy about at least one political or social issue.
U.S. Catholics are still getting to know Pope Leo XIV. But they like what they’ve seen so far, according to our recent survey.
Majorities want the church to allow use of birth control and IVF, and to permit priests to bless same-sex couples. But views differ by Mass attendance.
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.
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.
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.
Pope Francis is broadly popular in much of Latin America and the U.S., but favorability has fallen in the Latin American countries surveyed.
Most say Francis represents change in the church. And many say the church should allow priests to marry and let Catholics use birth control.
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