Recent findings from a Pew Research Center survey indicate that approximately 78% of U.S. Catholics hold a favorable view of Pope Leo XIV, while many believe President Donald Trump has been overly critical of the pontiff.
A new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center from May 26 to June 1, 2026, reveals that approximately 78% of U.S. Catholics view Pope Leo XIV favorably. This figure marks a decline from the 84% favorable rating recorded in August 2025, highlighting a subtle shift in perceptions among American Catholics. This survey, which included responses from 9,750 U.S. adults, 1,848 of whom identified as Catholics, sheds light on the evolving dynamics between U.S. Catholics and the papacy, particularly against the backdrop of political tensions involving President Donald Trump.
Survey Findings on Favorability
The survey results indicate that the favorability ratings for Pope Leo XIV are comparable to those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, during the latter years of Francis’ pontificate. Historical data from Pew Research illustrates that favorability ratings for recent popes have fluctuated significantly over the years. Pope John Paul II enjoyed consistently high ratings in the late 1980s and early 1990s, while popes Benedict XVI and Francis experienced varying levels of support throughout their respective tenures.
Public Perception of Political Criticism
In addition to gauging favorability, the survey also explored U.S. Catholics’ views on the relationship between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump, particularly in light of recent public statements and criticisms. In April 2026, Pope Leo spoke out against war, indirectly criticizing leaders he described as having a “delusion of omnipotence.” In response, President Trump took to social media, labeling the pope as “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.”
When asked about Pope Leo’s criticism of the Trump administration, opinions among U.S. Catholics were mixed. Approximately 19% of respondents felt that the pope had been too critical of Trump, while 16% believed he had not been critical enough. A plurality of 35% asserted that Pope Leo was striking the right balance, indicating a divided sentiment among the faithful regarding the pope’s stance.
Conversely, when asked about Trump’s approach to Pope Leo, a significant majority of U.S. Catholics—51%—perceived Trump as having been too critical of the pontiff. Only 4% of respondents indicated that Trump had not been critical enough, underscoring a stark contrast in how each figure is viewed by the Catholic community.
Demographic Insights
The survey’s demographic analysis reveals that favorability towards Pope Leo XIV transcends religious observance and demographic lines. Among Catholics who attend Mass at least weekly, 85% expressed favorable views of the pope. This favorable rating is slightly lower among those who attend Mass occasionally (79%) and those who seldom or never attend (73%).
Furthermore, both White and Hispanic Catholics reported high levels of favorability towards the pope, with 80% of White Catholics and 75% of Hispanic Catholics indicating positive views. However, the survey did not have enough responses from Black or Asian Catholics to report their views separately, indicating potential areas for further research into how these demographics perceive the papacy.
Political Affiliation and Opinions
When analyzed through the lens of political affiliation, the survey results reveal notable differences between Catholic Democrats and Republicans. Among Catholic respondents, 51% identified with or leaned toward the Democratic Party, while 45% leaned toward the Republican Party. Notably, more Catholic Democrats (84%) viewed Pope Leo favorably compared to Catholic Republicans (72%).
This trend extends to perceptions of Trump’s criticism of the pope, where a striking 70% of Catholic Democrats believe Trump has been overly critical of Pope Leo, while only 3% feel the opposite. Catholic Republicans, however, displayed more mixed opinions, with 32% stating that Trump has been too critical of the pope, and 39% asserting that Leo has been too critical of Trump.
Comparative Analysis of Opinions
The survey further explores how these opinions align or diverge along partisan lines. Among Catholics who identify as Democrats or lean Democratic, 68% say Trump has been too critical of Leo, while only 1% believe Leo has been too critical of Trump. In contrast, Catholic Republicans are more divided: 21% believe Trump has been too critical of Leo, but 28% feel the opposite.
This polarization reflects broader national trends where political affiliations increasingly influence religious perspectives. As the Catholic community navigates its identity within the political landscape, these findings may have implications for future interactions between religious and political leaders.
Conclusion and Implications
The findings from this Pew Research survey illustrate the complex and often polarized views among U.S. Catholics regarding Pope Leo XIV and President Trump. The data suggests that while Pope Leo maintains a generally favorable image within the Catholic community, the political landscape significantly influences perceptions of his relationship with the Trump administration. As public opinion continues to evolve, these insights may hold implications for how religious leaders and political figures engage with one another in the future. Understanding this dynamic is crucial as the Catholic Church continues to play a vital role in shaping social and moral discourse in America.
