According to a poll taken by WIN/Gallup International, a giant of sociological research, Pope Francis is the world’s most popular public figure. The poll also reveals that while Catholics and Jews are the religious groups that have the highest opinion of the pontiff, more than half of all Protestants and the vast majority of atheists and agnostics view him favorably.
The survey conducted was based on a sampling of men and women in 64 countries, representing various religions, ages, income groups and races. Jean-Marc Leger, president of WIN/Gallup International, says:
“Pope Francis is a leader who transcends his own religion. Our studies show that a large majority of the world’s citizens from many different religious affiliations and from all parts of the planet have a favorable image of him.”