A strong majority of U.S. Catholics have a favorable view of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, despite having limited knowledge about his background and history.

CNA reported that a national Pew Research Center survey found that 84% of U.S. Catholics view Pope Leo XIV positively, even though most admit they know little or nothing about the first U.S.-born pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV was elected by the College of Cardinals on May 8 after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, he became the first pontiff from the United States. Before his election, he served for decades in Peru, most recently as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.

Survey Shows High Favorability but Low Familiarity

The Pew survey was conducted among 9,916 U.S. adults, including 1,849 self-identified Catholics, between July 8 and August 3. The margin of error for the Catholic sample is ±3.1%. Respondents were asked about their opinions and knowledge of the new pope who succeeded Francis earlier this year.

Among U.S. Catholics surveyed, 47% described their opinion of Leo XIV as “mostly favorable,” while 37% called it “very favorable.” Just 4% had an unfavorable view, and 11% said they had never heard of him. These numbers closely mirror Pope Francis’s favorability early in his papacy, suggesting continuity in initial support for new popes.

Despite the large numbers expressing approval, only 7% of Catholic respondents said they knew a lot about Pope Leo XIV. Nearly 70% reported knowing “a little,” while 25% said they knew nothing at all.

Weekly Massgoers Show Strongest Support

Mass attendance emerged as a key factor in how Catholics view the pope. Those who attend Mass weekly or more often showed the highest levels of favorability at 95%. Catholics who attend once or twice a year or a few times a month reported 84% support, while even those who seldom or never attend still showed a notable 77% favorability.

Among faithful weekly Massgoers, three-quarters said they only knew a little about Pope Leo XIV, and 11% said they knew nothing. This suggests that familiarity with the Church does not necessarily translate into familiarity with the new pope.

Montse Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News, noted that the results show “both the excitement and the challenge of a new papacy.” She added that Pope Leo XIV has been warmly received but remains largely unknown to many in the Church.

Non-Catholics Also Show Positive Reaction

The tide of support is not limited to Catholics. More than half of non-Catholic respondents—56%—view Pope Leo XIV positively. Yet, 31% of that group said they had never heard of him. This indicates a generally favorable reception among the wider public, despite limited exposure.

Alvarado emphasized the importance of informing the faithful about the new pontiff, particularly given his unique background. Drawing attention to EWTN News’ global reporting, she said their network is well-positioned “to help Catholics understand the people and places that shaped the Holy Father.”

Her comments underscore the need for further awareness. She added that EWTN’s resources aim to promote unity during Pope Leo XIV’s leadership within the global Catholic community.

Historic Election and American Catholic Identity

The election of an American-born pope has garnered particular interest among U.S. Catholics. More than three-quarters expressed excitement over Leo XIV’s origins in Chicago. This highlights a strong connection between his national roots and the identity of the American Catholic community.

The Pew survey was part of its ongoing American Trends Panel and contributes to a broader effort to understand Catholicism in the U.S. In June, Pew reported that around half of all U.S. adults have some connection to Catholicism. These include current and former Catholics as well as those with family or cultural links to the faith.

The June study, titled “U.S. Catholicism: Connections to the Religion, Beliefs, and Practices,” noted deep historical ties between Catholicism and American society. According to Pew, about 20% of U.S. adults currently identify as Catholic, with another 29% indicating some form of connection.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While early favorability ratings offer encouragement, they also pose a challenge for Church leaders aiming to inform and engage the faithful. Many Catholics may support Pope Leo XIV in principle but lack awareness of his life, mission, and perspectives.

In highlighting this challenge, Alvarado said their mission includes serving as a source of unity for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. Her remarks point to a greater call for education and outreach within both the clergy and media institutions.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his tenure, his early popularity provides a promising foundation. Continued efforts to deepen public understanding may determine how that support develops over time.