In the eyes of U.S. Catholics, the next pope is going to have big — if not red — shoes to fill.
Most say the Church is in touch with the needs of Catholics, a view that’s higher today than when Pope Francis (who famously wore simple black shoes) became pontiff in 2013. Just before Francis’ papacy, which today gets 76% approval, most U.S. Catholics said the Church was out of touch.
As such, many U.S. Catholics would see the next pope continue Francis’ teachings, and others would move toward still more progressive ones.
Those who’d continue Francis’ teachings tend to be younger. And by two to one, more U.S. Catholics overall say Francis’ papacy left them feeling more connected to the Church than less.
While most say it doesn’t matter where the next pope comes from, plenty of U.S. Catholics — if given a choice — would like the next Pope to come from the U.S., their top choice out of other countries or regions.
Hispanic Americans — who make up a third of US Catholics — also favor the U.S., but South America, Mexico and Central America are also noted.
Most also want the next pope to be outspoken on world political issues.
What kinds of changes are Catholics looking for?
And U.S. Catholics say they’ll be paying attention. Most plan to follow news about the process and selection of a pope at least somewhat closely.
