According to a Pew Research study, 84% of U.S. Catholics report a favorable view of Pope Leo XIV, with only 4% expressing an unfavorable view, and 11% stating they have never heard of Pope Leo. 56% of non-Catholics view the pope favorably.
When it comes to expectations for his papacy, 52% of U.S. Catholics are unsure how Leo’s church leadership will compare with Francis’ or say they don’t know anything about the new pope to begin with. Another 33% think Leo will be pretty similar to Francis, while 13% think he will be pretty different.
Vast majorities of both Catholic Democrats (89%) and Republicans (84%) view Pope Leo favorably.
To read more about this study, click here.