Global Voices Echo: Polls Show Strong Support for a Pope Like Francis in 2025

Global Voices Echo: Polls Show Strong Support for a Pope Like Francis in 2025

As the Catholic Church navigates the transition following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, the world’s 1.37 billion Catholics are looking to the conclave, which began today, May 6, 2025, to elect a new pope. Pope Francis, known for his progressive reforms, inclusivity, and focus on social justice, left a lasting impact on the Church during his 12-year papacy. Recent polls from the United States and worldwide reveal a clear trend: many Catholics, especially younger ones, want the next pope to continue Francis’ legacy of openness and reform. This blog post examines these polls, highlighting the desires of American and global Catholics, and reflects on the implications for the Church’s future.

American Catholics: A Call for Continuity

Polls conducted in the United States after Pope Francis’ death show a strong preference among Catholics for a pope who mirrors his approach. A CBS/YouGov poll conducted from April 30 to May 5, 2025, found that 63% of U.S. Catholics believe the next pope should either continue Francis’ teachings or adopt an even more progressive stance. This poll, shared on X by

@USA_Polling

, underscores the appeal of Francis’ reforms, such as his emphasis on inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and dialogue with marginalized groups.

Another survey by YouGov, published on May 1, 2025, provides further insight into American expectations. It revealed that 33% of U.S. adults expect the next pope’s views to be similar to Francis’, while 24% anticipate a shift. Among Democrats, 44% hope for continuity, compared to 30% of Republicans, highlighting a partisan divide that has persisted since Francis’ papacy began in 2013. A separate CBS News poll from May 6, 2025, noted that many U.S. Catholics see the Church under Francis as “more in touch” with their needs, with a significant portion wanting the next pope to maintain this trajectory.

However, there’s nuance in these findings. A post on X by

@NachtGarten36

, referencing the CBS News poll, suggested that some U.S. Catholics want the next pope to focus less on Jesus Christ’s teachings in favor of Francis’ social priorities—a claim that lacks corroboration from the poll itself and may reflect a critical perspective rather than widespread sentiment. The establishment narrative, often shaped by mainstream media like CBS, tends to emphasize Francis’ popularity, but this interpretation raises questions about whether some Catholics prioritize social reform over traditional doctrine, a tension that could influence the conclave.

Worldwide Sentiment: A Global Desire for Francis’ Legacy

The desire for a pope like Francis extends far beyond the United States, reflecting his global impact as the first Latin American pope. A survey by the political and economic analysis firm Izi, conducted in Italy and shared on X by

@pnagovph

on May 4, 2025, found that 74% of Italians prefer a pontiff who would continue Francis’ policies. Italians, who have historically dominated the papacy with 217 of 266 popes, see Francis’ focus on humility and social justice as a model for the future, despite the last three popes being non-Italian.

In Latin America, where Francis’ roots lie, a Pew Research Center survey from 2024 showed that most Catholics in six countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru—still viewed Francis favorably, though his popularity had declined since 2013. For example, in Argentina, his favorability dropped from 98% in 2013-14 to 74% in 2024, reflecting some disillusionment in his home country. Despite this, seven in ten Catholics across these nations saw Francis as an agent of change, with many hoping for a successor who would maintain his progressive vision.

Globally, a YouGov survey of U.S. adults on April 21, 2025, conducted just hours after Francis’ death, found that 36% of Americans (including non-Catholics) prefer a reforming pope, compared to 22% who want a traditionalist. Among Catholics specifically, the split was closer—39% for a reformer versus 34% for a traditionalist—indicating a global openness to Francis’ approach, even among those outside the Church.

The Broader Picture: Youth and Reform

Young Catholics, in particular, are driving the push for a Francis-like pope. As noted in a previous blog post, a Pew Research Center survey from April 25, 2025, found that 68% of Catholics aged 18-35 globally want the next pope to maintain or expand Francis’ policies on social justice, climate action, and inclusivity. In the U.S., a National Catholic Reporter poll from April 30, 2025, showed that 72% of young Catholics support a pope who prioritizes dialogue with other faiths and marginalized groups, echoing Francis’ outreach to LGBTQ+ communities and migrants.

This youth sentiment aligns with the global data. The Izi survey in Italy and the Pew findings in Latin America suggest that younger Catholics, who represent the Church’s future, see Francis’ papacy as a blueprint for a more relevant, compassionate Church. However, the establishment narrative—often shaped by older, conservative cardinals—may not fully reflect this desire. Some cardinals, like Gerhard Ludwig Müller, advocate for a return to traditional teachings under the banner of “unity,” which could clash with the youth’s vision.

Critical Reflections: A Divided Church

While polls show strong support for a Francis-like pope, they also reveal divisions. In the U.S., the partisan gap is stark—88% of Catholic Democrats viewed Francis favorably in Pew’s February 2025 survey, compared to 69% of Republicans. Globally, conservative factions, particularly in Africa, have resisted Francis’ reforms, such as his 2023 decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples. The conclave’s 135 electors, 80% of whom were appointed by Francis, must navigate these tensions, balancing the desires of progressive youth with the concerns of traditionalists.

The establishment narrative, often amplified by outlets like Pew and CBS, tends to frame Francis’ legacy as broadly positive, but this overlooks the significant pushback from conservative Catholics. On X, some users express skepticism about continuing Francis’ reforms, with posts suggesting a desire for a pope who emphasizes doctrine over social issues. These voices, while not representative of the majority, highlight the challenge of electing a pope who can bridge the Church’s divides.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the Church

The polls are clear: a majority of Catholics, especially the young, in the U.S. and worldwide, want a pope who continues Pope Francis’ legacy of reform, inclusivity, and compassion. From the 63% of U.S. Catholics in the CBS/YouGov poll to the 74% of Italians in the Izi survey, the call for continuity is loud. Yet, the conclave’s outcome remains uncertain, as cardinals weigh the global Church’s diverse needs. Will they choose a reformer like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dubbed the “Asian Francis,” or a traditionalist like Cardinal Péter Erdő? As the Sistine Chapel fills with the whispers of deliberation, the hopes of millions hang on the white smoke that will signal the Church’s next chapter.

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Sources

• Pew Research Center survey, February 25, 2025
• Pew Research Center survey, April 25, 2025
• National Catholic Reporter poll, April 30, 2025
• YouGov survey, April 21, 2025
• YouGov survey, May 1, 2025
• CBS/YouGov poll, April 30-May 5, 2025 (via

  @USA_Polling

  on X)
• CBS News poll, May 6, 2025 (via

  @CBSNewsPoll

  on X)
• Izi survey, May 2025 (via

  @pnagovph

  on X)
• Pew Research Center survey, September 26, 2024