Apr 26, 2011 / 13:15 pm
A new survey conducted by the Knights of Columbus shows that both Catholic and non-Catholic U.S. residents overwhelmingly admire Pope John Paul II and believe that his upcoming May 1 beatification is a fitting recognition of his life and work.
“It is not surprising that the American people – to whom Pope John Paul II reached out so directly so many times – think it fitting that he is declared ‘blessed,’” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, head of the Catholic fraternal and charitable organization.
The Knights' survey, a collaboration with the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, questioned 1,274 adults and differentiated between non-Catholics and practicing Catholics.
The poll showed that 78 percent of Americans, and 98 percent of Catholics, have at least some admiration for Pope John Paul. Majorities of each demographic – 55 percent of all Americans, and 82 percent of all Catholics – said they had a “great deal” or “good amount” of admiration for his achievements as Pope.