Daily Research News Online no. 3976

Vox Pope

April 13 2005

Almost one third of American Catholics would like a more liberal Pope next time round, while two thirds want more of the same and only 3% a more conservative figure, according to results from Le Moyne College/Zogby. Asked about the possible origin of a new pontiff, respondents favoured one from Latin America (55%) or Africa (48%).

The International Contemporary Catholic Trends Poll (CCT) is an ongoing project tracking American Catholics' views on important issues - this wave was conducted on April 6 and 7.

When asked about whether the next pope should continue some of Pope John Paul II's specific positions, agreement varied by issue. Respondents were most in agreement with the continuation of criticism of the excesses of consumer society (78% agreed with 45% strongly agreeing), of criticism of the inequalities of global capitalism (80% agreed with 49% strongly agreeing), and of opposition to abortion (79% agreed with 64% strongly agreeing). Opposition to birth control, the upholding of the all-male priesthood, and the upholding of mandatory celibacy for the priesthood were all more controversial.

	Opposition to birth control	Uphold all-male priesthood	Uphold mandatory celibacy for priesthood
	%	%	%
Total Agree	45.8	47.0	47.9
Strongly agree	25.4	30.7	28.8
Somewhat agree	20.4	16.3	19.1
Total Disagree	52.1	50.2	49.4
Somewhat disagree	23.8	25.6	21.0
Strongly disagree	28.3	24.6	28.4

When asked whether it would be good for the Church if the next pope came from particular regions, the lowest support was for a pope from Italy (26%), but that for a pope from Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, Canada or the US was not much higher.

	Italy	W Europe	E Europe	Africa	Asia	Latin America	Canada / USA
	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
Strongly Agree	4.8	6.7	5.9	15.8	9.0	20.6	13.3
Somewhat Agree	20.9	30.4	34.4	31.9	31.7	34.2	29.7

Total	25.7	37.1	40.3	47.7	40.7	54.8	43.0

Almost two thirds (63%) of American Catholics say that the Church should be more democratic in its decision-making, with 25% agreeing strongly. Two-thirds (66%) believe that US bishops are doing a good job of leading the American Church.

600 Roman Catholics nationwide were interviewed by telephone. Slight weights were added to region, age, race, and gender to more accurately reflect the Roman Catholic population. The authors are online at www.lemoyne.edu and www.zogby.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.