Pope Leo XIV’s US Popularity and Earthquake Relief Appeal

A recent Pew Research Center poll shows that Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, enjoys strong overall approval among U.S. Catholics, with 78 % rating him positively. Support is highest among regular churchgoers (85 %) and varies by political affiliation: 84 % of Democrat‑leaning Catholics view him favorably versus 72 % of Republican‑leaning Catholics, indicating growing partisan polarization.

After the twin magnitude‑7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes in Venezuela that killed at least 1,430 people and injured 3,328, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful in St. Peter's Square, expressing “gratitude and encouragement” to those assisting rescue efforts. He prayed for the victims, noted more than 50,000 people are missing, and announced an initial financial contribution of €100,000 (about $114,000) to support emergency relief in Venezuela.