Most Americans over 50 are pleased with the Pope, says survey

CATHOLIC PHILLY PHOTO

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A huge majority of Americans over 50 years old are pleased with Pope Francis, according to a survey by AARP. A majority also said he should let women become priests.

AARP released online survey results of people 50-plus and their opinions on some of the most topical issues of the day.

With Pope Francis on a six-day visit to the U.S. with stops in Washington, New York and Philadelphia, AARP asked Americans 50-plus about the head of the Roman Catholic Church’s leadership.

AARP asked in the poll, do you think Pope Francis is leading the Catholic Church in the right direction?

Of those surveyed:

• 76 percent of people 50-plus said yes. *

Of those who answered the question, 35 percent of respondents indicated they were Catholic or had at one point considered themselves Catholic.

Additionally, AARP asked do you think the Pope should consider letting women become priests.

Of those surveyed:

• 66 percent of people 50-plus said yes. ^

For this poll question, 37 percent indicated they were Catholic or had at one point considered themselves Catholic.  And, they were open to women priests at an even higher rate.

Of those surveyed who identified with being Catholic now or at one point in time, 70 percent said the Pope should consider women priests.

Is heaven for real?

AARP also asked those 50 and older whether they believe in heaven and hell.

Of those surveyed:

• 72 percent of people 50-plus said yes, they do believe in heaven and hell. *

The survey is part of an ongoing new polling series to disrupt aging and highlight how Americans 50 and older feel about issues that affect their health, finances, and everyday lives.

* Survey date September 14-18, 2015; Margin of error is +/- 4 percent

AARP will continue to share the opinions of Americans 50 and older on the issues of the day through the end of the year. Follow @AARPMedia on Twitter.

Like us on Facebook