Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Poll Shows Pope 60% Favorable, Trump 36%

4/25/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released April 20-21 shows Pope Leo has 60% favorability, surpassing U.S. President Donald Trump’s 36% favorable and 62% unfavorable ratings.
In Tennessee, 51% approve and 43% disapprove of Trump, a net 8% approval that has fallen from earlier months.
86% of Republicans approve Trump while 98% of Democrats and 52% of independents disapprove.
71% say he is not even-tempered and 51% believe his mental sharpness has declined.

History

Historical Context

On 16 October 1978 the College of Cardinals elected Karol Wojtyla, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, marking a shift toward a globally charismatic religious leader. His 1979 Polish pilgrimage sparked the Solidarity movement that helped topple communism, and his later worldwide tours cemented a pattern where papal popularity—often exceeding that of contemporary politicians—shapes public discourse.

1 of 2

Story summary

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released April 20-21 shows Pope Leo has 60% favorability, surpassing U.S. President Donald Trump’s 36% favorable and 62% unfavorable ratings.
In Tennessee, 51% approve and 43% disapprove of Trump, a net 8% approval that has fallen from earlier months.
86% of Republicans approve Trump while 98% of Democrats and 52% of independents disapprove.
71% say he is not even-tempered and 51% believe his mental sharpness has declined.

1 / 2