Pope Leo XIV received a 57% approval rating in a new Gallup poll, surpassing ratings for U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The poll indicated that Pope Leo XIV is viewed more favorably across party lines compared to other political figures. The Gallup poll was conducted from July 7-21 with 1,002 adults across the U.S., marking the first time the U.S.-born pope was rated since his election. Pope Leo XIV's net favorability was 46%, the highest among the leaders surveyed.
4 months ago
Pope Leo XIV has achieved the highest approval rating among world leaders in a recent Gallup poll, with 57% of U.S. respondents viewing him favorably 1. This places him above Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (52%) and U.S. President Donald Trump (41%) 1. The pontiff also leads in net favorability, which accounts for the difference between positive and negative views, at 46% 1.
The Gallup poll, conducted by telephone from July 7-21, 2025, surveyed 1,002 adults across the United States 1. This marks the first time Gallup has rated the U.S.-born Pope Leo XIV since his election on May 8, 2025, just ahead of his first 100 days in the papacy on August 16 1.
Unlike political figures, Pope Leo XIV enjoys broader favorability across party lines, though he is viewed more positively by Democrats (65%) than Republicans (46%) 1. This contrasts with his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, who initially saw higher approval among conservatives 1.
Pope Leo XIV's initial approval numbers (57% approval, 11% disapproval) are consistent with those of Pope Francis (58% approval, 10% disapproval in 2013) and Pope Benedict XVI (55% approval, 12% disapproval in 2005) during the early stages of their pontificates 1. Among U.S. Catholics specifically, Pope Leo garnered 76% approval, comparable to Pope Francis's 80% and Pope Benedict's 67% in their respective initial ratings 1.
What is the Church's role in global leadership?
The Catholic Church, as a global institution, plays a multifaceted role in global leadership, primarily through its moral authority, diplomatic efforts, and advocacy for human dignity and social justice. This role is rooted in its mission to evangelize and serve humanity, guided by the teachings of Christ and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
The Church's most significant contribution to global leadership stems from its moral and spiritual authority. It offers a consistent ethical framework derived from divine revelation and natural law, which it applies to contemporary global issues. This authority allows the Church to:
The Holy See, as a sovereign entity, engages in extensive diplomatic relations with nearly all countries in the world and participates in numerous international organizations. This diplomatic presence enables the Church to:
Catholic Social Teaching provides a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges, emphasizing the inherent dignity of every human person and the need for solidarity and subsidiarity. The Church's role in this area includes:
Beyond its moral and diplomatic roles, the Church's global leadership is also manifested through the vast network of Catholic charitable organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities that operate worldwide. These entities provide direct service and support to millions, demonstrating the Church's commitment to practical action in addressing global needs.
In summary, the Church's role in global leadership is characterized by its unwavering commitment to moral principles, its active diplomatic engagement, and its tireless advocacy for human dignity, social justice, and peace, all rooted in its spiritual mission to serve the human family.