Most Catholics in the Americas Want the Church to Allow Birth Control

All seven countries in the study have large Catholic populations; these include Brazil (the world’s largest at 106.3 million), Mexico (second largest at 91.2 million) and the United States (fourth largest at 67 million).

Additionally, the six Latin American countries surveyed account for nearly three-quarters of Catholics in the region.

Throughout the Christian tradition, birth control had long been associated with promiscuity and adultery.

But after the Anglican Church adopted a resolution in favor of birth control at the 1930 Lambeth Conference, other Protestant denominations followed suit.

Yet the Catholic Church resisted opposition. In 1968 Pope VI. Paul signed “Humanae vitae,” a papal encyclical restating the church’s opposition to artificial birth control.

Additionally, Catholicism – unlike some other Christian denominations – does not allow women to become clergy or priests to marry.

Last December, Pope Francis Approved allowing Catholic clergy to bless individuals in same-sex marriages – Unless it resembles a marriage ceremony, the Vatican will release a document on Monday detailing the change in policy.

The document sparked controversy in the Catholic world. even push back Mostly from bishops in the United States and Africa.

Mixed opinions about Pope Francis

Along with the doctrine and possible changes, the poll also reflected on Francis’ popularity.

About two-thirds or more of Catholics in every country surveyed have a positive view of this pope; among these are 88% in Colombia and 84% in Brazil.

However, Pope Francis’ favorability ratings are lower now than they were more than a decade ago after he was elected pope in March 2013.