NEW PEW POLL OF AMERICAN CATHOLICS ON POPE BENEDICT XVI AND THE CHURCH.............

In two polls conducted by the Pew Research Center nationwide within the week following the Pope's announcement he is resigning from the See of St. Peter on February 28th, of 2,507 American Catholics responded to questions regarding Benedict XVI as Pope and the Direction of the Church going forth.  Overall his favorability among American Catholics stands at 54% in his final weeks as Pope, down from a high of 83% following his April 2008 visit to the United States.  Whereas five years ago nearly half of American Catholics felt Pope Benedict was doing a Good to Excellent Job addressing the Sexual Abuse Scandal, now only one third think he has done so.  The Pope's resignation bringing about a Conclave to elect a new Pope next month, the polling also finds American Catholics are almost evenly split as to whether the next Pope should lead the Church forward in a traditionalist way, the response of 51%; versus leading the Church in a progressive direction, 46% giving that answer.  Weekly Massgoers are more likely to adhere to a traditional direction going forward, while College Graduates lean much more toward seeking progressive change in the Catholic Church.  The Church Teachings and Practices progressive American Catholics cited as wanting to see changed are less concerned with Divorce and Abortion, and focused on their support for allowing Married and Women Priests, Contraception, and Same Sex Marriage.  The majority of American Catholics also think it is time for a Pope from outside of Europe, particularly a Successor of St. Peter, from Latin / South America, Africa, or Asia.............Fr.  Troy