Pope Francis’ once-overwhelming popularity in the U.S. has taken a major hit since a new report on sexual abuse was released in August, according to two new polls.
A Gallup survey released Tuesday found that 53 percent of Americans said they had a favorable opinion of the pontiff, down from 66 percent in August, when respondents were questioned just before the release of a sweeping Pennsylvania grand jury report listing hundreds of Catholic clergy accused of sexual abuse and misconduct over 70 years in the state. Francis’ popularity has fallen 23 points from a 2014 high of 76 percent in Gallup polls.