U.S. Catholics more hopeful than expectant of changes to church teachings
Many Catholics would like to see changes on specific church doctrines but they are less certain that those changes will happen, even under Pope Francis.
How U.S. Catholics View Pope Francis: In Their Own Words
Each Wednesday and Saturday evening, Naomi Magel and her husband attend Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elgin, Texas. After the service, the couple takes their pastor, the Rev. George Joseph, out for something to eat. Over the past year, one subject has come up in conversation again and again. “We talk about Pope […]
U.S. Catholics View Pope Francis as a Change for the Better
One year into his pontificate, Pope Francis remains immensely popular among American Catholics and is widely seen as a force for positive change within the Roman Catholic Church. More than 80% of U.S. Catholics say they have a favorable view of the pontiff.
Media Coverage of Pope Francis’ First Year
One year into Francis’ papacy, an analysis by the Pew Research Center finds that the former Jesuit archbishop – who was named Time’s Person of the Year – ranked among the top global newsmakers in major U.S.-based digital news outlets.
Pope Francis’ big year
Pope Francis began this year as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, an Argentine archbishop. He finishes it as Time magazine’s Person of the Year.
No clear ‘Pope Francis effect’ among U.S. Catholics
The pope’s popularity hasn't yet produced a Catholic resurgence in the U.S. in terms of the share of Americans who identify as Catholic, or the share of those who report attending Mass weekly.
Vatican will seek Catholics’ input on wide range of family issues
The Vatican plans to ask a range of questions on topics related to the family, including divorce, artificial contraception and same-sex marriage.
Three-quarters of U.S. Catholics say it’s important for Pope Francis to tackle Vatican reform
Most Catholics say reforming the Vatican is an important priority for Pope Francis.
Majority of U.S. Catholics’ opinions run counter to church on contraception, homosexuality
Three-quarters of U.S. Catholics say the church should permit birth control, about half favor same-sex marriage and just a third (33%) say homosexual behavior is a sin.
Six Months Into Papacy, Large Majority of Catholics Continue To Express Favorable View of Pope Francis
After six eventful months, Pope Francis is rated favorably by eight-in-ten U.S. Catholics (79%), largely unchanged since the days immediately following his ascension to the papacy.
