Poll: Pope's approval in U.S. down 23 points since 2008

Pope Benedict’s image has deteriorated about equally among Catholics and non-Catholics from its 2008 high — by 20 and 23 points, respectively. Catholics continue to view him much more favorably than non-Catholics.

Pope Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John Paul II, also saw his U.S. favorable ratings drop in 2002 as the Catholic Church responded to similar criticism for its handling of priest sex abuse allegations, mostly from the United States — but only as low as 61% favorable and 26% unfavorable (compared to the current pope’s 40% favorable and 35% unfavorable). As the scandal faded, Pope John Paul II’s ratings improved, and Gallup’s final measurement on him showed a 78% favorable and 11% unfavorable rating.