Striking a chord with all

Richard A. Sokerka

Pope Francis’ visit to the United States struck a chord not only with Catholics but also with all Americans. That good news came from the results of a Marist College Poll conducted this earlier this month that examined how Americans felt about life issues, marriage, religious freedom and creation that the Pope addressed in his visits to Washington, New York and Philadelphia.

According to Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, which commissioned the poll, Pope Francis’ presentation of Catholic values during his visit “resonated in the minds and hearts of the American people.”

“His ability to generate consensus on such a diverse number of issues, some of which are seen as very complicated here, speaks to his ability to preach Gospel values convincingly, in our country and in our time,” he said.

The poll pointed to a strong growth in the number of Americans — now more than 62 percent — who voiced support for life at every stage of its development, including the unborn.

The Pope’s focus on religious freedom also resonated with Americans as the poll showed that support for religious freedom increased to 85 percent.

The poll also revealed that after the Pope’s visit, Americans’ support for marriage as a union of one man and one woman had increased to 55 percent.

And in regard to the Pope’s encyclical on God’s creation, more than 84 percent of respondents agreed with the need for more respect for the earth and the environment.

The survey also confirmed that Pope Francis enjoys a growing following in our nation as nearly 75 percent of all Americans said they view the Pope favorably, an increase from 58 percent prior to his visit in an August poll.

The survey also pointed to the fact that more than half of Americans felt better about their own faith because of the papal visit, sparking respondents to say that they were also more likely to engage in charitable activity as a result of the trip. For those naysayers who felt that the Pope would have no influence on changing America’s moral compass for the better, it’s time they reset theirs.