More than 84% of Catholics and 57 percent of Non-Catholics in the United States have a favorable view of the new pope, says a Pew Research poll, which is greater than for a U.S. president. Most politicians and popes have higher ratings after they are selected, which then declines over time.
Pope Benedict had similar ratings after his visit to the United States in 2008, but it had dropped to 74 percent among U.S. Catholics by the time he announced his resignation.
Pope Francis has had a “positive response” because of his simple life, and his perceived humble leadership style. But it also appears that he is liked in the U.S. (and presumably in Latin America) because he is the first pope from the America’s, specifically Latin America, and because he is a Jesuit. About 5 percent of U.S. Catholics view the pope unfavorably.
While only 57 percent of Americans view the pope favorably, it is nevertheless a very large number of people, and this can affect their politics.
“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Revelation 13:3
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