A new poll by Quinnipiac University indicates that most American Catholics are pleased with Pope Francis, even as some conservative critics have begun to worry about the pope’s perceived equivocating on gay marriage and abortion. Eighty-nine percent of Catholics register a “very favorable” or “favorable” view of Francis, six months after his selection as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. More strikingly, 68 percent of respondents agree with Francis’ contention that the church focuses too much on controversies over homosexuality and abortion.
In a recent interview, Francis criticized the church for being “obsessed” with reproduction and sexuality. “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods.?…?The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent.” These comments followed earlier ones in which Francis seemed to be...