Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, remains widely popular in several Latin American countries, according to a new report released by the Pew Research Center. The report, titled “How People in Latin America and the U.S. view Pope Francis,” surveyed 6,234 adults in six countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. While attitudes towards the pope are still positive overall, they have decreased compared to a decade ago. The biggest drop in favorable attitudes was seen in Pope Francis’ native country, Argentina, where his approval rating has plummeted by almost 30 percentage points over the past decade.
When Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio became Pope Francis, Argentina celebrated his appointment with enthusiasm, akin to a World Cup victory. However, ten years later, the sentiment towards the pope in his home country has become more divided and less fervent. Pope Francis has not returned to Argentina since he left in 2013 to attend the conclave that elected him as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Analysts and Vatican insiders believe that the pope is trying to avoid being drawn into Argentina’s political polarization, which has divided the country for decades. Despite this, Pope Francis announced earlier this year that he plans to visit Argentina in 2024, marking his first trip back since becoming pope.
The poll also revealed varying opinions on Pope Francis in other Latin American countries. In Brazil and Mexico, 68% of adults have a favorable opinion of the pope, while in Colombia, the number is slightly higher at 72%. In Chile, however, only about half of adults view Pope Francis positively. In the United States, the favorability of the pope among adults reached its peak between 2015 and 2017, with seven-in-ten Americans holding a positive view. Today, 57% of U.S. adults have a favorable opinion of Pope Francis. The poll also showed that U.S. Catholics are more likely to view the pope positively compared to Protestants and the religiously unaffiliated.
The decline in favorability towards Pope Francis in his native Argentina may be attributed to various factors, including economic challenges faced by the population. Argentina has been experiencing rising poverty rates and one of the world’s highest inflation rates, which has likely impacted public sentiment towards the pope. Despite these challenges, Pope Francis remains committed to visiting Argentina in 2024, indicating his desire to reconnect with his fellow Argentines. The pope’s decision to visit his home country after almost 11 years as pontiff suggests a willingness to address any concerns or criticisms that may have contributed to the decline in favorability.
Overall, the report highlights the shifting perceptions of Pope Francis in Latin America and the United States over the past decade. While his popularity remains relatively high in several Latin American countries, it has declined significantly in Argentina. The pope’s upcoming visit to his native country could be an opportunity to bridge any divides and strengthen his connection with the Argentine people. As Pope Francis continues to navigate global challenges and issues within the Catholic Church, his ability to engage with diverse audiences and address pressing concerns will be crucial in shaping his legacy and impact as the leader of the Catholic Church.
