ECNETNews, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: A recent survey indicates that a significant number of Catholics in Latin America and the U.S. are advocating for changes in Church policies. Key areas of support include allowing women to become priests, permitting priests to marry, and recognizing same-sex marriage. Additionally, there is strong backing for birth control and allowing unmarried couples living together to receive Holy Communion.
The Spring 2024 Global Attitudes Survey reveals these evolving perspectives among Catholics. The survey was conducted with 3,655 participants from six Latin American nations—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru—through in-person interviews, alongside 2,021 U.S. Catholics surveyed online.
A notable finding is the continued high approval rating for Pope Francis, despite a decline over the past decade. The pope received the highest favorability rating from Colombians at 88 percent, while Chile reported the lowest approval at 64 percent, potentially due to the impact of clerical abuse scandals. Nevertheless, many still view Pope Francis as a catalyst for significant change within the Church.
Support for women’s ordination is robust, with 83 percent of Catholics in Brazil, 71 percent in Argentina, and 64 percent in the U.S. endorsing the concept. Younger Catholics are particularly supportive; in Colombia, 65 percent of those aged 18 to 39 favor women’s ordination, compared to only 49 percent of older Catholics.
Evidence of strong support for birth control is highlighted, with 86 percent of Argentinians and 83 percent of U.S. Catholics in favor. However, the Church maintains its opposition to artificial contraception, promoting only natural family planning.
On the topic of married priests, 69 percent of U.S. Catholics and 65 percent in Chile expressed support. The response is more divided in Colombia and Brazil, with Mexico and Peru showing significant opposition.
The survey also explored views on Holy Communion for unmarried couples living together, with strong majorities supporting this practice in Argentina (77 percent), the U.S. (75 percent), and Chile (73 percent), although support waned in other regions.
Regarding same-sex marriage, recognition was backed by 70 percent of Catholics in Argentina and 64 percent in Chile, though support dropped significantly in countries like Peru (32 percent) and Colombia (40 percent). The Church’s firm stance continues to uphold that marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman.
Overall, the survey reflects both consensus and division among Catholics on these significant issues, with younger generations increasingly advocating for progressive reforms within Church teachings.
