Ethan Walker
Pope Francis is generally popular among Catholics, with 75% of U.S. Catholics viewing him favourably as of 2024. This popularity is reflected in other countries, with 74% of Argentinian Catholics holding a favourable opinion of him in 2024, down from 98% in 2013-14. Pope Francis is considered to be socially liberal, and has drawn criticism from conservatives for his views on unchecked capitalism, the environment, and helping the poor. However, there are signs of growing discontent among Catholic Republicans, who believe he is too liberal and naïve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity among U.S. Catholics | 75% in 2024 |
| 77% in 2025 | |
| 78% in 2025 | |
| Popularity among U.S. Catholic Democrats | 90% |
| Popularity among U.S. Catholic Republicans | 69% |
| Popularity among U.S. Catholic Republican leaners | 35% in 2024 |
| 73% | |
| Popularity among all U.S. adults | 63% in 2021 |
| 58% in 2025 | |
| Popularity among non-U.S. Catholics | 98% in Argentina in 2013-14 |
| 74% in Argentina in 2024 | |
| 63% in Latin America in 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Francis is popular among US Catholics
The Pope's popularity among US Catholics is also reflected in other surveys. A Gallup poll from March 2025 found that 77% of US Catholics viewed Pope Francis favorably, a higher rating than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who was viewed favorably by 40% of Americans in 2010. Similarly, a 2021 Pew Research Center study showed that 63% of US adults, including a majority of non-Catholics, had a "very" or "mostly" favorable view of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis is seen as a change agent within the Catholic Church, with many US Catholics supporting his progressive stance on social issues. They agree with his emphasis on spirituality and social justice, including helping the poor and addressing unchecked capitalism. Additionally, US Catholics have applauded the Holy See under Pope Francis for its positions on the environment and allowing divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive the sacraments.
However, Pope Francis' popularity among US Catholics does not necessarily translate into increased church attendance. While many hoped that his inclusive and progressive approach would bring people back to church, a 2024 Gallup poll indicated a decline in church attendance across most religious groups in the US. Nevertheless, Pope Francis remains well-regarded by a significant portion of US Catholics and is generally viewed more positively than his immediate predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
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His popularity has decreased since 2013
Pope Francis has enjoyed high approval ratings from Americans, including those who are Catholic, since the start of his papacy in 2013. However, his popularity has decreased in the years since.
In 2021, Pope Francis's popularity among U.S. Catholics stood at 82% according to a Pew Research Center survey. This represented a slight drop from the 83% who viewed him favorably in 2020. By 2024, his favorability rating among U.S. Catholics had decreased further to 75%, with 35% of Catholic Republicans and Republican leaners expressing an unfavorable view of the pope.
In Latin America, Pope Francis's popularity has also waned since the early years of his papacy. In his native Argentina, nearly all Argentinian Catholics (98%) expressed a favorable opinion of Francis in 2013-14, but this number fell to 74% by 2024.
Despite this decrease in popularity, Pope Francis still maintains a relatively high approval rating among U.S. Catholics, with 77% viewing him favorably as of March 2025. Additionally, he is viewed more positively than his immediate predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, whose favorability ratings among U.S. Catholics ranged between 67% and 83%.
The decrease in Pope Francis's popularity among Catholics may be attributed to various factors, including his perceived representation of a major change in the direction of the church, as well as growing dissatisfaction among Catholics who identify as Republicans or lean towards the Republican Party.
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He is more popular than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Francis is generally considered to be more popular than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, especially among liberal Catholics. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 75% of US Catholics had a favourable view of Pope Francis, with a majority saying that he represents a change in the church.
Francis is seen as a liberal pope who has brought about a more progressive and inclusive Catholic Church. He has been applauded for his focus on social issues, such as the environment, unchecked capitalism, and helping the poor. He has also been praised for allowing divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive the sacraments.
On the other hand, Pope Benedict XVI was known for his conservative and traditional views. He was criticised for mishandling the child sex abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, and his papacy was tainted by accusations of turning a blind eye to sexual abuse.
The contrasting ideologies of the two popes have created a divide within the Catholic Church, with liberals supporting Francis and conservatives favouring Benedict. This rivalry has led to a reported split within the organisation, with hard-line conservative cardinals and priests aligning with Benedict and progressives leaning towards Francis.
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Pope Francis is seen as a progressive leader
Pope Francis has gained approval across diverse religious groups in the U.S., including non-religious people, with 63% of adults holding a "very" or "mostly" favourable view. His popularity is attributed to his inclusive and progressive approach to leadership, emphasizing spirituality and social justice. He has been applauded for his positions on various issues, including the environment, unchecked capitalism, helping the poor, and allowing divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive the sacraments.
The Pope's actions have also contributed to his popularity, such as washing the feet of a Muslim woman in prison, which appealed to non-Catholics. His choice of name, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who fostered interfaith dialogue during the Fifth Crusade, is another significant factor in his appeal to people of different faiths.
However, Pope Francis has faced criticism from some conservative thought leaders and Catholic Republicans, with a decrease in his favourability ratings among Catholics who identify as Republicans. This criticism is due to the perceived departure from traditional Catholic teachings and his handling of clergy abuse cases. Despite this, Pope Francis remains more popular than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, with higher approval ratings.
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His popularity among non-Catholics is notable
Pope Francis is well-regarded by non-Catholics, according to surveys. His approval rating among non-Catholics is notable, especially considering the anti-religious sentiments among some non-religious people.
In the United States, where about 20% of the population is Catholic, Pope Francis has gained approval across various religious groups, including non-religious people. A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that 63% of American adults have a "very" or "mostly" favourable view of Pope Francis. This popularity extends to majorities of non-Catholic groups, such as White Protestants who are not evangelical, Black Protestants, and the religiously unaffiliated, also known as "religious nones". The approval rating among non-Catholics is particularly significant when considering that there can be anti-religious sentiments among those who are not affiliated with any religion.
The Pope's actions have appealed to non-Catholics, such as when he washed the feet of a Muslim woman in prison, demonstrating his care and concern for people of different faiths. His choice of name, Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, who met with a Muslim leader during the Fifth Crusade, also holds significance for Muslims who know their history. Pope Francis's openness and inclusive approach to leadership have contributed to his popularity among people of diverse faiths.
While Pope Francis has experienced a decrease in popularity among Catholics in Argentina, his country of birth, his approval ratings among non-Catholic groups in the United States have remained stable or favourable. In a March 2021 survey, majorities of White Protestants who do not identify as evangelical (70%), religiously unaffiliated adults (61%), and Black Protestants (60%) expressed favourable opinions of him. White evangelical Protestants were more divided in their opinions, with similar shares expressing both favourable (45%) and unfavourable (47%) views.
Overall, Pope Francis has gained notable approval among non-Catholics, with his inclusive and progressive approach resonating across different religious groups in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Pope Francis is popular among Catholics in the United States, with 75% to 77% expressing a favorable opinion of him.
Pope Francis's popularity among US Catholics has decreased slightly over time. His highest favorability rating was 90% in February 2015. In a 2024 survey, 75% of US Catholics viewed him favorably, down from 83% in September 2021.
Catholics who view Pope Francis favorably are more likely to say he represents a minor change in the direction of the church. They are also more likely to support progressive ideas, such as allowing priests to marry and letting Catholics use birth control.
