Pope Francis' recent visit to the US has resulted in more Americans supporting pro-life causes, a new poll showed.
A new Marist Poll conducted this month showed 62 percent of Americans support life at every stage including the unborn stage. This marked a 6 percent increase in support for the unborn child since August before the pope's arrival, the Catholic News Agency reported.
Among practicing Catholics, 81 percent expressed support for pro-life causes this October from the 76 percent who showed support in August.
A total of 85 percent of Americans also expressed support for religious freedom in the latest survey, up by 7 percentage points from the previous mark in August. Among practicing Catholics, the increased in support for religious freedom increased to 87 percent, up by 7 percent.
According to Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Pope Francis' presentation of Catholic values "resonated in the minds and hearts of the American people."
"His ability to generate so much consensus on such a diverse number of issues, some of which are seen as very complicated here, speaks of his ability to preach Gospel values convincingly, in our country and in our time," he said.
The Marist Poll was commissioned by the Knights of Columbus among 1,095 adult residents in the US from Oct. 1 to 9. Pope Francis visited the US from Sept. 22 to 27.
CNA reported that the poll results showed that Americans' support for marriage as a union between man and woman increased to 55 percent. Among practicing Catholics, 60 percent believe in the church's teachings on marriage.
The poll also revealed that 84 percent agreed that there is a need for greater respect for the earth and environment, with 81 percent of practicing Catholics as among those who agree with the concept.
The report said Pope Francis' visit gave Americans clarity on his vision for the church. Last April only 43 percent of Americans and 73 percent of practicing Catholics said they were clear on the Pope's vision.
After his trip, the numbers jumped to 55 percent of Americans and 88 percent of practicing Catholics.
About seven of 10 Americans view the Pope favourably, an increase from the 58 percent last August. About 90 percent of practicing Catholics view Pope Francis favourably, up by 7 percentage points.
