Polls: Most Catholics like pope, but many say he's out of touch

Published: 2003-10-24

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A majority of Catholics responding to polls conducted to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's election said they approve of the way the pope has done his job. But many of the respondents also said they hoped the next pope would bring change because they think the church is out of touch with modern views on birth control, pre-marital sex, homosexuality and other issues. Many also said they feel the pope should have done more to deal with the clergy sex abuse scandal. Results of a Washington Post-ABC News poll released Oct. 15 showed that 79 percent of Catholics surveyed and 52 percent of non-Catholics approve of the way the pope has handled his job; 84 percent of Catholics said they had a favorable impression of the pope.

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