Pope Benedict XVI made headlines last week when remarks contained within a speech he gave in Germany were deemed offensive by the Muslim community. Sixty-one percent (61%) of respondents to a recent Rasmussen Reports survey say they’ve been following the news of the Pope’s misstep closely, including 27% saying they’ve followed the news “very closely.” Thirty-eight percent (38%) say they have not been following the story.

Just 25% of Americans believe the Pope should apologize for his comments. Forty-eight percent (48%) disagree (See crosstabs).

More than half of those surveyed (54%) now have a favorable opinion of the Pope. Twenty-two percent (22%) view him unfavorably. Those figures reflect an improving perception of the Pope, who was viewed favorably by 34% shortly after his selection to lead the Catholic Church.

Seventy-seven percent (77%) of those surveyed believe freedom of speech is more important than preventing offensive remarks. Fifteen percent (15%) say the reverse is true. However, a majority of respondents (53%) believe that it is the responsibility of those in the public eye to choose their words carefully to avoid giving offense. Thirty-three percent (33%) believe public figures have the freedom to speak as they wish.

During the speech in question, the pontiff included a quote from a 14th century Christian emperor who said that the Prophet Muhammad, the father of Islam, brought only evil and inhumane things into the world.

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