A look at popes and their encyclicals
Popes have written encyclicals on an array of topics, ranging from the nature of work to the virginity of Jesus’ mother, Mary.
A half century of well-traveled popes
Led by the prolific travels of Pope John Paul II, pontiffs have reached 135 different countries and territories at least once since 1964.
Resources on Catholicism and the Pope
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life has a variety of resources on Catholicism and Pope Benedict XVI, including public opinion polls, research studies, event transcripts and interviews.
Pope Benedict Over the Years: News Coverage by the Numbers
Pope Benedict XVI, the spiritual leader of some 1 billion Catholics worldwide, announced on February 11 that he will retire from his post by the end of the month, citing weakness and age. It will make him the first pope to resign in 600 years. Perhaps the most visible religious figure in the world, Pope […]
Large Majorities of Catholics Satisfied with Pope, Church Leaders
About three-quarters of U.S. Catholics say they are satisfied with the leadership of the Pope.
Broad Criticism of Pope Benedict’s Handling of Sex Abuse Scandal
Overview Amid new revelations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI’s job ratings for handling the scandal have plummeted. Only about one-in-ten (12%) say the pope has done an excellent (3%) or good job (9%) in addressing the sex abuse scandal; 71% say he has done a poor (44%) or only fair […]
Clergy Sex Scandal Tops Media Coverage of Pope’s Visit
More than a third (37%) of papal coverage focused on the sex abuse scandal.
Pope Benedict’s Image Improves Following U.S. Visit
Summary of Findings Following his first visit to the United States as spiritual leader of the world’s Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI is viewed more favorably than he was a few weeks before his trip. Currently, 61% of Americans say they have a favorable impression of the pope, up from 52% in late March. Views of […]
Pope Benedict’s Image Improves Following U.S. Visit
Following his first visit to the United States as spiritual leader of the world’s Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI is viewed more favorably than he was a few weeks before his trip. Currently, 61% of Americans say they have a favorable impression of the pope, up from 52% in late March. The latest national survey by […]
Pope Benedict’s Papacy Still Coming Into Focus for Americans
As Pope Benedict XVI prepares to introduce himself to the U.S., a new Pew Forum survey shows that many Americans know very little about him. Pew Forum Director Luis Lugo and Associate Director Mark O’Keefe discuss the survey results in the context of previous findings and compare the favorability ratings of Pope Benedict XVI with […]
