Poll: Americans Widely Admire Pope Francis, But His Church Less So
Source: Washington Post
By Michael S. Rosenwald, Michelle Boorstein and Scott Clement September 20 at 12:01 AM
Pope Francis is adored by American Catholics and non-Catholics, who have embraced his optimism, humility and more inclusive tone. But as the 78-year-old pontiff arrives in the United States for his first visit, the publics view of the Catholic Church is not nearly as favorable, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
That gap will be masked by the huge throngs of Catholics greeting Francis in Washington, New York and Philadelphia. Many of them see him as an agent of change, with a majority of Catholics saying that the church is in touch with them a reversal from two years ago, when 6 in 10 said the church was out of sync.
Hes calming, hes relaxing and hes reassuring, said Mike Harvey, 53, a Catholic who lives in Wilmington, Del. People separate the pope from the church. You look at this man trying to lead the movement for everyone, past and present.
But in a country moving steadily away from organized religion and with the denomination still haunted by a clergy sexual-abuse scandal, there is no evidence that Franciss likability has boosted Catholic identification, worship attendance or prayer.
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/poll-americans-widely-admire-pope-francis-but-his-church-less-so/2015/09/19/f7f46188-5d71-11e5-b38e-06883aacba64_story.html
dae
(3,396 posts)I pray he's around long enough to inspire All Catholics to focus on being Pro-Humanitarian.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)man to help re-brand that organization using the charisma in place of actual change, repentance or making of justice and amends.
How is that a surprise?
This poll shows us that most straight people rationalize and excuse anti gay bigotry in ways they would not excuse nor rationalize bigotry toward other minority groups.
Lychee2
(405 posts)The Catholic Church has protected homosexual child molesters in the priesthood over and over again. How is that an example of bigotry against gays?
Betty
(1,352 posts)The Catholic Church has been one of the most vocal groups calling for the banning of same sex marriage.
Lychee2
(405 posts)But inside the Church, not so much.
NonMetro
(631 posts)Do they? Or are they just saying that?