Pope Benedict XVI is viewed favorably by 44% of American adults and unfavorably by 26%. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey found that 30% have no opinion one way or the other. He is viewed favorably by 71% of Catholic Americans, 51% of Evangelical Christians, and 38% of other Protestants. His ratings are lower among Atheists and those who follow a non-Christian religion.

The Pope recently made headlines for stating that Catholic politicians supporting a pro-choice law in Mexico City should not receive communion. Twenty-three percent (23%) of Americans agree with the Pope’s position while 53% disagree. Seventy-six percent (76%) of pro-Choice Americans disagree with the Pope while only 50% of pro-Choice Americans support his position. Among Evangelical Christians, a plurality agrees with the Pope. Only 28% of Catholics share that view.

Just 39% of American adults followed that story even Somewhat Closely (a number that jumped to 56% among American Catholics).

An earlier survey found that Fifty percent (50%) of American Catholics believe it is more important for the Church to "stick to the views that have guided it for centuries" rather than "change to accommodate modern lifestyles." Thirty-eight percent (38%) take the opposite view.

Public opinion of the Pope in the U.S. is currently in the middle of the range we’ve measured throughout his tenure. When Pope Benedict was first selected to lead the Catholic Church, he was viewed favorably by 50% of American Catholics. Last October, 54% had a favorable opinion of him.

Forty-nine percent (49%) of Americans consider themselves pro-Choice while 35% are pro-Life. There is essentially no gender gap on this issue. Republicans, by a 56% to 36% margin are pro-Life. Democrats, by a 61% to 21% margin, are pro-Choice. Upper-income Americans are more likely than others to be pro-Choice.

Rasmussen Reports conducts ongoing surveys measuring the attitudes of Americans on the news of the day. Recent surveys have asked about the results of the French elections, the DC Madam, gun control, and the Supreme Court decision on partial-birth abortion. The latest updates can be found on the Rasmussen Reports home page.

Rasmussen Reports also regularly tracks public attitudes towards Congress, the War on Terror, and other topics. Rasmussen Reports also continuously updates favorability ratings and general election match-ups for all Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates along with ratings for Members of Congress, Other Political Figures, and Journalists.

Rasmussen Reports releases updated polling data on the Democrat Nomination Process every Monday and on the Republican contest every Tuesday. Results for the Generic Congressional Ballot are updated monthly.

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