WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new national survey finds Pope Leo XIV holding a significantly higher favorability rating than President Donald Trump, reflecting the broad public appeal of the first American pope.
According to an Economist/YouGov poll released Monday, 55% of respondents said they view Pope Leo favorably, while 23% view him unfavorably, giving him a net favorability rating of +32. By comparison, 37% said they view Trump favorably and 59% unfavorably, resulting in a net favorability rating of -22.
The 54-point gap in net favorability highlights the pope’s popularity across a broad range of Americans. The survey found that both figures were viewed somewhat more favorably by men than women, though Pope Leo maintained a positive rating among both groups.
Leo, elected pope in 2025, has gained international attention for promoting peace initiatives and calling for diplomatic solutions to global conflicts. His comments regarding conflicts in the Middle East have occasionally put him at odds with political leaders, including Trump.
Earlier this year, Trump criticized the pope over remarks related to peace efforts involving Iran, suggesting Leo’s comments were politically motivated. The pope later clarified that his statements were intended as general appeals for peace and were not directed at any specific leader.
Trump renewed his criticism over the weekend after Pope Leo met with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Vatican. Despite the disagreements, the pontiff has generally avoided direct political confrontations.
The Economist/YouGov survey was conducted from May 29 through June 1 among 1,604 adults. The reported margin of error was approximately 3.5 percentage points.
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