Just five weeks after making history as the first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV is winning hearts on American soil. A new AP-NORC poll released Saturday finds that about two-thirds of U.S. Catholics have a “very” or “somewhat” favorable opinion of the newly elected pontiff. The jury’s still out for the average American on Pope Leo XIV, but things are looking up so far. People are taking their time to decide, but early signs show a good chunk of them are feeling hopeful (and some are downright thrilled) about having a local leading the Catholic Church.
The national survey showed that 44% of grown-ups in the U.S. have a positive view of Pope Leo XIV, and about the same number are still on the fence, saying they need more info before they can form an opinion. Only a small fraction, 1 in 10, have something bad to say about him. Even among Catholics, his fan club is growing.
This Pope, who used to be Cardinal Robert Prevost, is speaking to the hearts of many.
They’re hungry for a religious leader who feels like one of their own but still pushes the Church in new, exciting directions. And his big weekend bash in Chicago, where he’s from, sure didn’t hurt his popularity.
Pope Leo XIV Brings Bipartisan Hope and a Chicago Homecoming
The poll reveals a rare instance of bipartisan goodwill. About half of Democrats and 4 in 10 Republicans express favorable views of the new Pope. More strikingly, both groups have similar levels of trust in their leadership and low levels of disapproval, just around 10%. Catholics across the ideological spectrum are hopeful that Leo will bridge the divides that became increasingly visible under Pope Francis.
Victoria Becude, a Republican Catholic from Florida, said, “I’m rooting for him. I hope that America can get back to faith, and I hope he can do that.”
“We are God’s chosen people” – Pope Leo XIV pic.twitter.com/oI16LNBt9W
— Trad West (@trad_west_) June 14, 2025
Even among non-Catholics, Leo is generating curiosity. About half of born-again Protestants, mainline Protestants, and religiously unaffiliated Americans say they don’t know enough yet to comment, but very few hold negative views. The Pope’s early emphasis on unity and reconciliation (particularly his critique of global nationalism) has struck a chord with those looking for a peacemaker in turbulent times.
At Saturday’s celebration in Chicago’s Rate Field, the atmosphere was closer to a Cubs game than a solemn mass. Young people wore “Pope Leo” jerseys, and cheers broke out as video highlights of his papal election played on the Jumbotron. For many in the Windy City, Leo’s rise is not just symbolic. It’s personal.
The Expectations of Modern-Day Papacy
Americans respect Pope Leo XIV and his place in history. People have ideas about what they want from his time in charge of the Church. Some who are more progressive in their beliefs are looking forward to the possibility of women having bigger roles in the Church. On the other hand, there are some more conservative Catholics who are hoping he’ll stick to the old ways, especially when it comes to same-sex marriage and abortion.
Interestingly, the AP-NORC poll also found generational divides.
Older adults, more likely to identify as Catholic, are slightly more favorable toward Leo than those under 30. However, even among younger Americans, only about 1 in 10 express negative opinions.
The Church is rising.
Pope Leo XIV has awakened something deep in the hearts of Catholics everywhere—especially here in America. 🇺🇸🔥
Now is the time to live our faith boldly, publicly, and without apology.
👉 Join the movement: https://t.co/dlFx3f15MU pic.twitter.com/L7MxvZMg7y
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) June 12, 2025
Mercedes Drink, a 31-year-old agnostic from Minnesota, originally from Chicago, sees promise in his leadership. “He brings something different,” she said. “I like him because he brings something different (…) I hope he opens the world’s eyes to modernizing the church, bringing more people in, having more diversity.”
One of Leo’s early moves (defending women in governance roles while reiterating Church teaching against female ordination) has fueled hope and frustration. Donald Hallstone, a Catholic from Oregon, said: “At a time when there’s a shortage of priests (…) it’d be great to see women in those roles. Women were not excluded in the first centuries.”
As the first American Pope continues his spiritual and symbolic outreach, whether he can meet such a wide array of expectations remains to be seen. But for now, Americans appear ready to give him a chance.
Scroll down for some images of Pope Leo XIV:
