New Poll: What Do Millennials in the Time of Francis Believe?

When Pope Francis visits the United States this fall, he will no doubt be surrounded by young Catholics. But new polling of Catholic Millennials released today in Conscience magazine shows that while they have positive views of Pope Francis, they express beliefs that stand in stark contrast to the Catholic hierarchy on everything from abortion to same-sex marriage to equality for women in the church. With their strong convictions about equality and individual freedom for all people, Catholic Millennials also strongly oppose Catholic institutions and businesses denying services to individuals based on false claims of religious liberty.

“As Conscience magazine reveals, it’s clear that Catholic Millennials in America love the pope, but they don’t love his doctrine, especially when it comes to social equality and individual rights,” said Jen Girdish, associate director of communications at Catholics for Choice.

“Millennials are going to shape the future of the Catholic church—and society. They’re already doing that right now. When Francis visits the US this fall, we hope that he will listen to their vision of an inclusive church that’s open to all people,” she continued. For example:

• 82% of Catholic Millennials believe abortion should be legal in at least some circumstances.

• 77% of Catholic Millennials agree that all women should have the same access to no-cost birth control no matter where they work.
• Over two-thirds (69%) of Millennial Catholics support making it legal in all states for same-sex couples to marry.
• 74% believe that Catholic church-sponsored programs should be providing condoms to fight the spread of HIV & AIDS—a practice the church has rejected worldwide.

In addition to the poll, this new issue of Conscience magazine highlights the voices of young abortion providers in training from Medical Students for Choice, who are committed to making choice a reality for women around the country.

To speak with Jen Girdish, please contact Claire S. Gould at cgould[at]catholicsforchoice.org or 202-986-6093.