Where Pope Francis stood in the eyes of American Catholics

Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Catholic Church who transformed the papacy, was widely adored by the more than 60 million U.S. Catholics, as indicated by recent public opinion surveys. According to a Pew Poll conducted in early February, 78% of American Catholics expressed a favorable view of the pope, just before he was hospitalized for double pneumonia. Tragically, the 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Monday.

Throughout his twelve-year tenure as pope, Francis maintained a consistent level of popularity among American Catholics, with his favorability peaking at 90% in a February 2015 poll by Pew. His progressive and inclusive approach resonated with many followers, setting him apart from his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, whose favorability ratings ranged from 67% to 83% during his eight years in office.

Despite his widespread popularity, Pope Francis faced opposition from some conservative factions within the Church who disagreed with his efforts to modernize and unify the institution. His emphasis on social justice and compassion for the marginalized and vulnerable made him a polarizing figure, particularly in a deeply divided church.

The partisan divide among U.S. Catholics was evident in their views of Pope Francis, with 88% of Democrats or Democratic-leaning individuals holding a positive opinion of him, compared to 69% of Republicans or GOP-leaning individuals. The late pope’s reform agenda, which focused on uplifting the most disadvantaged and promoting values of equality and compassion, resonated more strongly with Catholic Democrats than Republicans.

Despite his criticism of certain political policies, such as border walls and mass deportations, Pope Francis still garnered the support of a significant portion of Catholic Republicans. His legacy will be remembered for his commitment to reform and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on Catholics worldwide.

As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, let us reflect on his legacy of compassion, inclusivity, and dedication to serving the most vulnerable in society. His teachings and actions have inspired millions around the world and will continue to shape the future of the Catholic Church for generations to come.