Pope Leo XIV tops US poll on public figure popularity 

The NBC News Survey by Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies surveyed 1000 registered voters about public figures and various topics, including the Pope.

When asked how they felt about Pope Leo, 42 per cent of respondents were “very positive” or “somewhat positive”, while only 8 per cent felt “somewhat negative” or “very negative”.

With a favourability rating that outpaced unfavorability by 34 points, Pope Leo ranked ahead of other US figures including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Republican and Democratic political parties.

Comedian Stephen Colbert was the only other public figure who had a net-positive favourability rating.

President Trump scored a net -12 per cent favourability rating, with 41 per cent of respondents viewing him favourably and 53 per cent unfavourably, the National Catholic Reporter stated.

Half of respondents said their views of Pope Leo were either neutral (36 per cent) or uncertain (14 per cent), possibly reflecting people’s unfamiliarity with him.

In comparison with previous popes in similar polls, Leo’s total positive rating is in the middle. Pope Francis peaked at a 57 per cent approval rating in December 2013, according to NBC. Pope Benedict XVI had a 30 per cent positive rating in February 2013, while St John Paul II’s favourability in January 1998 hit 65 per cent.

Pope Leo has been frequently questioned by media about developments in the US, including the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and its recent military ventures.

FULL STORY

NBC poll: Pope Leo XIV held in highest esteem among public personalities (By Kate Quiñones/EWTN News)

Pope Leo XIV more favorable than Trump in new NBC News poll (National Catholic Reporter)