Thu Sep 26 14:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Catholics Worldwide Seek Change in Church Practices, Support for Pope Francis Wanes

**Washington, D.C.** – A new survey by the Pew Research Center reveals a growing divergence between the teachings of the Catholic Church and the views of its members in the United States and six Latin American countries. The survey, which polled over 5,600 Catholics, found significant support for changes on issues like female ordination, birth control, and priestly marriage.

**Support for Female Priests Strong**

Across all seven countries, majorities favor allowing women to become priests, with Brazil leading at 83% and Mexico trailing at 47%. The U.S. saw a slight increase from 2014, with 64% in favor. Notably, older Catholics in the U.S. were more supportive than younger generations, while the opposite was true in Mexico.

**Birth Control and Priestly Marriage**

A majority of Catholics in all seven countries believe the Church should allow the use of birth control, with Argentina and the U.S. showing the strongest support. While opinions on priestly marriage are more divided, two-thirds of Catholics in the U.S., Argentina, and Chile favor allowing priests to marry, while Mexico and Peru oppose it.

**Same-Sex Unions and Pope Francis’ Popularity**

Views on the recognition of same-sex unions were more varied, with majorities in four countries opposing it, while just over half of U.S. Catholics support it. The survey also found a decline in favorable ratings for Pope Francis across all countries, though he remains popular. Argentina, his homeland, saw the most significant drop, from 98% to 74%.

**Catholics Seek Change, but Differ on Pope’s Impact**

Despite these divergent views, the survey indicates that most Catholics believe Pope Francis represents a change in the direction of the Church, although the extent of that change is debated. While 62% of Colombians see it as major, only 21% of Chileans agree.

**Overall, the survey highlights a growing disconnect between the Catholic Church’s teachings and the views of its members, particularly on issues related to gender, sexuality, and family life.** The findings suggest a need for open dialogue and reflection on the Church’s approach to these complex issues.

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