Americans Show Strong Support for Pope Leo XIV and Hope for Positive Change in the Catholic Church
#pope leo xiv #catholic church #poll #leadership #positive change
About the People Mentioned
Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in the Chicago area, is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. He was elected on May 8, 2025, marking a significant moment as the first American and first Peruvian pope. His background is deeply rooted in the Order of St. Augustine, which he joined after graduating from Villanova University in 1977. He professed his solemn vows in 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1982. Pope Leo XIV holds a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He has extensive experience in missionary work, particularly in Peru, where he served in various roles, including as the judicial vicar of the Archdiocese of Trujillo and as a professor of canon, patristic, and moral law at the San Carlos e San Marcelo Major Seminary. His leadership roles expanded when he was elected to oversee his order's province and later the worldwide Order of St. Augustine for 12 years. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, a position he held for nine years. In 2023, he was created a cardinal by Pope Francis and appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. This role involved overseeing the appointments of bishops worldwide. Pope Leo XIV's current relevance lies in his unique blend of American and Peruvian heritage, which brings a global perspective to the papacy. His election has been seen as a milestone in the Church's history, marking a new era of leadership shaped by his missionary experience and theological background.
About the Organizations Mentioned
AP-NORC
The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research is a collaborative organization formed by The Associated Press (AP) and NORC at the University of Chicago, combining the strengths of rigorous social science research with high-quality journalism to deliver timely, reliable data and analysis on critical public issues. Established to provide objective, nonpartisan insights, the Center leverages NORC’s longstanding expertise in research and AP’s global news reach to inform citizens, policymakers, and business leaders on topics shaping society and democracy[1][2]. The Center’s origins trace back over a decade, with its inaugural survey in 2010 addressing civil liberties and security a decade after 9/11. Since then, it has conducted more than 250 studies covering a broad spectrum of issues such as health care, the economy, media trust, and public attitudes on long-term care and digital abuse among youth. Its research is known for scientific rigor and journalistic independence, adhering to strict standards to maintain objectivity and transparency. The Center publishes all study results and makes data available to the public and scholars, enhancing trust and utility[1][3][4]. Among its notable achievements is AP VoteCast, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional election exit polls, widely recognized for accuracy and innovation in political polling. The Center also launched a journalism fellows program to equip mid-career journalists with analytical skills to produce research-driven journalism, fueling impactful projects on aging economics, disaster resilience, and social issues[3][5][9]. Currently headquartered at NORC’s Chicago offices, AP-NORC operates as a bridge between academic research and public discourse, delivering clear, precise data that informs public debates in real time. Its expert team includes senior research scientists and fellows who uphold its mission to transform complex data into accessible knowledge essential for democratic engagement and decision-making in business and government[2][4][5].
