Pope Francis’ popularity continues to crater. The Pontiff’s favorability rating has reached its lowest point since he was elected in 2013. According to a Rasmussen survey, only 41 percent of Americans view the Pope favorably, in 2013 he was at 61 percent approval. The pope has adopted outspoken views on a number of issues which have left him mired in controversy.
Rasmussen finds that his unfavourability is also much higher. It has tripled from 12 percent to twenty-eight. Another twenty-eight percent say they’re unsure. Opinions of the Pope are sharply divided along political lines. Among Democrats (53 percent) have a favorable opinion of the Catholic Leader than Republicans (36 percent) or independents (34 percent).
Dr. Bill Donohue, the president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, says that Francis’ outspoken support for progressive social issues is a large part of the problem. “in 2021, the pope has endorsed civil unions, putting no conditions on its acceptance. More provocative was his decision to allow the blessing of homosexual couples; it has led to unprecedented pushback by the clergy all over the world” he said.
Francis has also put severe restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass, a style of worship popular with the most conservative Catholics. In addition to this, some have drawn attention to corruption allegations. Donohue also recounted that Pope Francis “allowed Fr. Marco Rupnik, a fellow Jesuit, to remain a priest in good standing, notwithstanding his being thrown out of the Society for Jesus for sacrilegious and sexual offenses.”
Pope Francis has condemned the actions of the State of Israel multiple times since the start of the Israel-Hamas War. This has stoked additional controversy. Francis stated, ” According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.” He also asked for a “careful investigation” of Israeli military actions. He has previously described the behavior of the IDF as “a massacre” and ” terrorism.”
The Wall Street Journal, which is a strong supporter of Israel, strongly criticized the Pope’s views. In a written response, the WSJ editors remarked “There is something disturbing about a pope accusing Jews — the victims of genocide themselves — of genocide while they are fighting for survival on several fronts against enemies aiming to destroy them.”
Francis named Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, a close friend, as head of the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office. Many have said that he is unqualified and not a theologian. Fernández is infamous for writing a book on kissing (Heal Me With Your Mouth) as well as others that feature strong sexual themes. Faithful Catholics view this nomination as a slap in the face.
Overall many feel frustrated by the direction Francis is leading the Church. Donohue argues that many of these positions “are seen by many practicing Catholics as wrongheaded.” However instead of addressing the very real problems facing the church Pope Francis has continued to prioritize progressive social causes. Recently, the Pope’s controversial decision to skip the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which had been severely damaged in a 2019 fire ,drew fire from critics.