Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Pope Leo Favored Over Trump by 47 Points

5/9/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A May 2026 poll found Pope Leo XIV 47 points more favorable than President Donald Trump among U.S. adults.
The same poll reported 55 % of American Catholics favor Pope Leo XIV, 48 % approve his Iran statements, and 66 % of Trump voters say the pope is too political.
President Donald Trump called Pope Leo XIV weak on crime and politically very left after the pope denounced the Iran war.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, after Pope John Paul II’s death, a Pew poll gave him 71 % approval among U.S. Catholics versus 55 % for President George W. Bush, showing a clear split between Catholic leadership and the American presidency. A May 2026 survey repeats the divide, putting Pope Leo XIV 47 points ahead of former President Donald Trump among adults, underscoring the pope’s enduring moral sway rooted in his anti-communist legacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

A May 2026 poll found Pope Leo XIV 47 points more favorable than President Donald Trump among U.S. adults.
The same poll reported 55 % of American Catholics favor Pope Leo XIV, 48 % approve his Iran statements, and 66 % of Trump voters say the pope is too political.
President Donald Trump called Pope Leo XIV weak on crime and politically very left after the pope denounced the Iran war.

1 / 2