Pope Leo XIV Receives Top Favorability in Gallup Poll

Pope Leo XIV has the highest favorability among 14 prominent U.S. and global figures in a recent Gallup poll, with a +46 net-favorable rating (57% favorable, 11% unfavorable). He significantly outpaces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (+18) and Senator Bernie Sanders (+11). Pope Leo's appeal is notable for its bipartisan nature, but for the first time, liberals and Democrats show stronger support for a pope than conservatives, marking a shift from previous patterns. President Joe Biden, Vice President JD Vance, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and former President Donald Trump all received negative net favorability ratings, with Trump at -16 and Elon Musk at -28—the lowest on the list. Both Marco Rubio and Musk have experienced a 24-point decline in net favorability since January. The poll highlights Pope Leo as a rare exception to the generally unfavorable view of high-profile political leaders among Americans.