Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Home Local news US Adults’ Opinions on Pope Leo XIV: Insights from a New AP-NORC Poll
  • Local news

US Adults’ Opinions on Pope Leo XIV: Insights from a New AP-NORC Poll

    What US adults think about Pope Leo XIV, according to a new AP-NORC poll
    Up next
    Every DCEU Post-Credit Scene That Hasn't Paid Off
    DCEU Post-Credit Scenes That Never Came to Fruition
    Published on 15 June 2025
    Author
    Internewscast
    Tags
    • about,
    • according,
    • adults,
    • APNORC,
    • Donald Hallstone,
    • Leo,
    • Mercedes Drink,
    • New,
    • poll,
    • pope,
    • Pope Francis,
    • Pope Leo XIV,
    • Religion,
    • Terry Barber,
    • think,
    • U.S. news,
    • Victoria Becude,
    • Washington news,
    • What,
    • XIV
    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest

    WASHINGTON – A little over a month since Pope Leo XIV made history as the first Pope from the United States, a fresh poll indicates that American Catholics are enthusiastic about their new church leader.

    Approximately two-thirds of American Catholics hold a “very” or “somewhat” favorable opinion of Pope Leo, based on a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Around 30% are unsure or lack enough information to form an opinion, while fewer than 10% view him negatively.

    The general American public is still forming its views on Pope Leo. For those who have already developed an opinion, the sentiment towards the first U.S.-born pope is largely positive. The survey reveals that 44% of American adults possess a “somewhat” or “very” favorable opinion of Pope Leo XIV. A comparable number are not sure enough to voice an opinion, while roughly 1 in 10 view him unfavorably.

    As he promises to work for unity in a polarized church, Americans with very different views about the future of the church are feeling optimistic about his pontificate. Terry Barber, a 50-year-old Catholic from Sacramento, California, hopes Leo will seek a “more progressive and modern church” that is more accepting of all.

    “I’m optimistic. Certainly, the first pope from the United States is significant,” said Barber, who identifies as a Democrat. “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.”

    Bipartisan appeal

    About half of Democrats have a favorable view of the new pope, as do about 4 in 10 Republicans and independents. Republicans are a little more likely than Democrats to be reserving judgment. About half of Republicans say they don’t know enough to have an opinion about the pope, compared to about 4 in 10 Democrats.

    Republicans, notably, are no more likely than Democrats to have an unfavorable opinion of the pope. About 1 in 10 in each group view Pope Leo unfavorably.

    Victoria Becude, 38, a Catholic and Republican from Florida, said she’s excited about the first U.S.-born pope and hopes he can steer the country back to Catholic doctrine and make Americans proud.

    “I’m rooting for him,” she said. “I hope that America can get back to faith, and I hope he can do that.”

    Being a political liberal or conservative, of course, isn’t the same thing as identifying as a liberal or conservative Catholic. But the poll found no discernible partisan gap among Catholics on Pope Leo, and Catholics across the ideological spectrum have expressed hope that Leo will be able to heal some of the divisions that emerged during the pontificate of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

    Pope Leo recently criticized the surge of nationalist political movements in the world as he prayed for reconciliation and dialogue — a message in line with his pledges to make the Catholic Church a symbol of peace.

    Before becoming pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms of Pope Francis’ pontificate by having women serve on the Vatican board that vets nominations for bishops. He also has said decisively that women cannot be ordained as priests.

    Donald Hallstone, 72, a Catholic who lives in Oregon, said he expects that Leo will continue to promote women in governance positions “at a time when there’s a shortage of priests” and other leaders in the church.

    “It’d be great to see women in those roles,” he said. “Women were not excluded in the first centuries.”

    On the other hand, some right-wing U.S. Catholics hope Leo will focus on Catholic doctrinal opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion.

    Becude, the Republican, said she’s against same-sex relationships because she believes that unions should be between a man and a woman, something that Pope Leo has reiterated. Even though she describes herself as “very conservative,” though, she’s in favor of reproductive rights even when church teaching opposes abortion.

    “I don’t believe that they should stop women from having abortions,” she said. “We should have our own rights because you don’t know the circumstances behind the reason why a woman would want the abortion in the first place.”

    Few have negative views — yet

    There’s plenty of room for views to shift as Leo’s agenda as pope becomes clear.

    Not all Americans have formed an opinion of the new pope yet; particularly, members of other religious groups are more likely to be still making up their minds. About half of born-again Protestants, mainline Protestants, and adults with no religious affiliation don’t know enough to have an opinion about the pope, although relatively few — about 1 in 10 — in each group have an unfavorable view of him.

    Older Americans — who are more likely to identify as Catholics — are also more likely than younger Americans to be fans of Leo’s. About half of Americans ages 60 and older have a favorable view of Pope Leo, compared to about 4 in 10 Americans under 30.

    But even so, only about 1 in 10 U.S. adults under 30 have an unfavorable view of the pope right now.

    Mercedes Drink, 31, is from the pope’s hometown of Chicago. She still hopes that women will become ordained under his pontificate.

    “It’s cool; I like him because he brings something different,” said Drink, who lives in Minnesota and identifies as being part of the “religious nones” — atheists, agnostics, or nothing in particular.

    “As a young woman, I hope that he can bring change … considering who he is, he brings something new to the table. I hope he opens the world’s eyes to modernizing the church, bringing more people in, having more diversity.”

    ___

    Henao reported from Princeton, N.J.

    ___

    Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

    ___

    The AP-NORC poll of 1,158 adults was conducted June 5-9, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest
    You May Also Like
    Unity grad Kimball transferring to SIU
    • Local news

    Unity Graduate Kimball Transfers to SIU

    TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Unity grad Blake Kimball is taking his talents…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Alexander Reitbrock during his arraignment for child luring in Vancouver, June 30, 2025 (KOIN)
    • Local news

    Suspected Washington State Child Lurer ‘Concealed in Plain View’

    VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) — A 21-year-old Vancouver man made his first court…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Officials report average eagle nesting season in coastal Georgia, nearly 200 eaglets fledged statewide
    • Local news

    State Officials Announce Typical Eagle Nesting Season in Coastal Georgia with Almost 200 Eaglets Taking Flight

    SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Coastal Georgia saw a 73% eagle nest success…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Mayors, doctor groups sue over Trump’s efforts to restrict Obamacare enrollment
    • Local news

    Local Leaders and Medical Associations File Lawsuit Against Trump’s Move to Limit Obamacare Enrollment

    WASHINGTON – Democratic mayors nationwide are legally contesting new Trump administration regulations…
    • Internewscast
    • July 1, 2025
    WATCH LIVE at 10 a.m.: Everything to know about staying safe in the parking lot
    • Local news

    Live at 10 a.m.: Essential Tips for Parking Lot Safety

    ORLANDO, Fla. – Parking lots might appear as one of the most…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Deadly virus halts cat intakes at Manatee County shelter
    • Local news

    Virulent Virus Stops Cat Admissions at Manatee County Animal Shelter

    BRADENTON, Fla. (SNN) — A fast-spreading and lethal virus is currently wreaking…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Colorado mom demands answers after son killed in Denver jail
    • Local news

    Colorado Mom Seeks Justice After Son’s Death in Denver Jail

    DENVER (KDVR) A Colorado mother who made headlines last year for starting…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Ahead of Oasis' tour, a look at famous and brief band reunions: Nirvana, Outkast and more
    • Local news

    Exploring Notable and Short-Lived Band Reunions: Nirvana, Outkast, and Others Before Oasis’ Tour

    NEW YORK – “Don’t Look Back in Anger” seems to be fitting…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Fireworks fizzle as Hawai'i's new laws target offenders
    • Local news

    Hawai’i’s New Regulations Dampen Fireworks Enthusiasm by Cracking Down on Violators

    HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed new fireworks legislation…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Del Monte, the 139-year-old canned fruits and vegetables company, seeks bankruptcy protection
    • Local news

    Del Monte, the 139-Year-Old Canned Foods Giant, Files for Bankruptcy Protection

    Del Monte Foods, the 139-year-old company best known for its canned fruits…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Trump knocks AT&T over conference call glitch
    • Local news

    Trump Criticizes AT&T for Conference Call Issues

    (The Hill) — President Donald Trump knocked AT&T after his conference call…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Lindsey Graham gets GOP primary challenge from André Bauer, South Carolina's former lieutenant gov
    • Local news

    Lindsey Graham Faces GOP Primary Competition from Ex-South Carolina Lt. Governor André Bauer

    CHAPIN, S.C. – Former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor André Bauer is launching…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    BREAKING: Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty to Murdering 4 University of Idaho Students in 2022
    • Crime

    Bryan Kohberger Admits Guilt in 2022 Murder of Four University of Idaho Students

    On Wednesday, Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing four University of Idaho…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Columbia student data stolen by politically motivated hacker, university says
    • Local news

    Columbia University Reports Politically Motivated Data Breach Involving Student Information

    NEW YORK – Columbia University’s data systems suffered a breach by a…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Zohran Mamdani responds to Trump threats: 'If you speak up, they will come for you'
    • Local news

    Zohran Mamdani Addresses Trump Threats: ‘Speaking Out Comes With Risks’

    NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    I fell asleep in the sun for 15 minutes and woke up in agony with my face disfigured
    • Health

    “I Dozed Off in the Sun for 15 Minutes and Woke Up with Severe Facial Sunburn”

    Jean Hill, who was left with shingles after developing sun poisoning (Image:…
    • Internewscast
    • July 2, 2025
    Internewscast Journal
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • DMCA Notice
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Guest Post
    • Support Our Cause
    Copyright 2023. All Right Reserverd.