Pope Leo XIV has enjoyed relatively strong popularity after the first 100 days of his papacy.
A number of polls have shown broad early goodwill from U.S. Catholics and many Americans as August 16 marked the 100th day as leader of the Church.
However, he is yet to reach the heights his predecessor Pope Francis enjoyed during his tenure.
Why It Matters
Pope Leo, a Chicago native, was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on May 8 after a two-day conclave and held his first mass in the Sistine Chapel on May 9. He replaced Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.
His popularity rating is useful in measuring the public’s response to him and his policies as he carves out his role and differentiates himself from his predecessor.
What To Know
An Associated Press‑NORC survey of 1,158 U.S. adults, fielded June 5–9, found that roughly two‑thirds of American Catholics said they had a “very” or “somewhat” favorable view of Pope Leo XIV.
About three in 10 said they did not know enough to form an opinion, and fewer than one in 10 viewed him unfavorably. The poll found he had around the same levels of support from Democrats and Republicans and that he had more support among older than younger Americans.
According to Zenit news, a poll two years into Pope Francis’ papacy showed he had a 59 percent favorability rating, suggesting there is more early optimism toward Pope Leo.
Pope Francis’ popularity peaked at 90 percent in 2015, according to the Pew Research Center, and fell to 75 percent in April 2024.
Meanwhile, a late‑July telephone survey of 1,002 adults conducted July 7–21 for Gallup showed Pope Leo with a 57 percent favorable rating, 11 percent unfavorable and 31 percent no opinion among U.S. adults, placing him above other international figures in net favorability, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
What People Are Saying
Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural mass in May: “In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.”
Terry Barber, a 50-year-old Catholic from Sacramento, California, told Associated Press: “I’m optimistic. Certainly, the first pope from the United States is significant. Since he worked under the previous pope, I’m sure he has similar ideas, but certainly some that are original, of his own. I’m looking forward to seeing what, if any changes, come about under his leadership.”
What Happens Next
As he continues his papacy and speaks at events, the public response to Pope Leo is likely to fluctuate.
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