(ZENIT News / Rome, 01.21.2025).- Pope Francis stands as the figure of highest trust among Italians, with 76% expressing confidence in his leadership. This trust extends far beyond religious practice. These insights come from a recent study by the Demopolis Institute, which surveyed over 3,000 Italians to explore public sentiment surrounding the Jubilee and the broader challenges facing the Catholic Church.
Hope in Crisis: A Defining Theme for 2025
The Jubilee’s central theme, «hope,» resonates deeply in a world where 75% of Italians believe hope is in crisis. Rather than focusing solely on spiritual renewal, many view the Holy Year as a platform to address urgent societal issues. A significant 70% hope the Jubilee will amplify efforts toward peace in war-torn regions, while a majority expect the Church to strengthen its advocacy against poverty, hunger, and inequality—hallmarks of Pope Francis’ papacy.
Two-thirds of Italians identify Pope Francis’ commitment to peace and fraternity as defining features of his pontificate. His emphasis on aiding the marginalized and promoting Gospel values resonates with 60% of respondents. Additionally, his approach to communication, which combines -according to the study- clarity with compassion, has earned him widespread admiration.
Notably, over 40% highlight his focus on young people and his vision of an inclusive Church attuned to the modern world. His environmental advocacy, exemplified by his encyclical «Laudato Si», is also seen as a signature aspect of his leadership.
Challenges Facing the Church
While Pope Francis enjoys high levels of trust, confidence in the Church as an institution lags at 45%. This gap reflects broader societal trends, including declining religious participation. Although 72% of Italians identify as Catholic, only one in six regularly attends Mass.
Key challenges identified by the public include reconciling faith with modern realities, addressing sexual abuse scandals, and engaging younger generations. Additionally, many see the need for the Church to maintain relevance in discussions about peace and justice while navigating a decline in vocations.
Calls for Renewal and Creativity
As the Jubilee offers a moment of reflection, many Italians see it as an opportunity for the Church to evolve. A majority, 57%, advocate for a more creative expression of faith to attract younger generations. Nearly 40% call for greater involvement of laypeople and women, while others suggest leveraging technology and social media to strengthen connections within the faith community.
Interestingly, a smaller but vocal segment—around 20%—emphasizes the importance of defending tradition as a means of revitalizing the Church. This tension between innovation and tradition underscores the complexity of the Church’s path forward.
Pope Francis’ ability to address real-world concerns has made him a figure of trust not just among Catholics, but across the Italian population. As Demopolis director Pietro Vento observed, “Italians value the Pope’s alignment with the genuine needs of families and his ability to communicate with clarity and authenticity.”
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