Pope Francis’s popularity plummets among Americans, revealing a stark partisan divide and potential shift in Catholic values.
At a Glance
- Pope Francis’s favorability among American adults has dropped to 41%, down from 61% in 2013
- A significant partisan gap exists, with 53% of Democrats viewing him favorably compared to 36% of Republicans
- 75% of U.S. Catholics view Pope Francis favorably, down from 90% in 2015
- Many U.S. Catholics support changes in church policies, including contraception and same-sex marriage
- Regular Mass attenders are more likely to support traditional views on priesthood and sexuality
Pope’s Popularity Nosedives
Pope Francis, once hailed as a breath of fresh air for the Catholic Church, is now facing a sharp decline in popularity among Americans. A recent Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that only 41% of American adults now have a favorable impression of the Pope, a significant drop from the 61% approval rating he enjoyed when he first assumed his role in 2013. This decline is not just a minor fluctuation; it represents a seismic shift in public opinion that crosses religious and political lines.
The survey, conducted with 1,346 American adults in December 2024, paints a clear picture of growing dissatisfaction. A whopping 31% of respondents now view Pope Francis unfavorably, a stark increase from just 12% in 2013. Perhaps even more telling is that 28% of those surveyed are now unsure about their impression of the Pope, suggesting a growing disconnect between the pontiff and the American public.
Partisan Divide Deepens
The poll results expose a glaring partisan divide in perceptions of Pope Francis. While 53% of Democrats maintain a favorable opinion of the Pope, only 36% of Republicans share this view. This 17-point gap is a testament to the increasingly politicized nature of religious leadership in America. It’s worth noting that independents are even less impressed, with only 34% viewing the Pope favorably.
This partisan split extends to assessments of Pope Francis’s performance compared to his predecessors. While 35% of Democrats believe Pope Francis has been “better” than other recent popes, only 13% of Republicans agree. This disparity suggests that political ideology is increasingly influencing religious perspectives, a concerning trend for those who believe faith should transcend partisan politics.
Catholic Support Waning
Even among U.S. Catholics, Pope Francis’s once-solid support base is showing cracks. A Pew Research Center survey indicates that 75% of U.S. Catholics now view Pope Francis favorably, a notable decrease from the 90% approval he enjoyed in 2015. This 15-point drop in less than a decade is a clear indication that the Pope’s message and leadership are resonating less strongly with his core constituency.
The reasons for this decline are multifaceted, but one significant factor appears to be the Pope’s stance on traditional Catholic values. Many U.S. Catholics are calling for changes in church policies, including allowing contraception (83%), Communion for unmarried couples (75%), priests to marry (69%), ordaining women as priests (64%), and recognizing same-sex marriages (54%). These progressive views, particularly popular among Democrats and those who attend Mass less regularly, are at odds with the Church’s traditional teachings.
Conservative Catholics Push Back
While many Catholics are pushing for change, there’s a significant conservative contingent pushing back. Catholics opposing changes are predominantly Republicans or lean Republican and often attend Mass weekly. These traditionalists are more likely to support long-standing views on priesthood and sexuality, creating a rift within the Catholic community.
This internal struggle is reflected in the stark contrast between Catholic Democrats and Republicans. While only 7% of Catholic Democrats view Pope Francis unfavorably, a substantial 35% of Catholic Republicans hold an unfavorable view. This divide threatens to further polarize the Catholic Church along political lines, potentially undermining its unity and moral authority.
