Public Perception
Study on Viewpoints of Catholicism
Our national poll measured the public’s perceptions of the Catholic Church and Catholic priests. The results were sobering, specially among young adults ages 18–25:
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View PDFviewed priests as “untrustworthy”
associated the priesthood with “predatory behavior”
described priests as “judgmental”
saw them as “secretive”
What stood out most was the absence of personal connection
The majority of respondents had never known a priest and hadn’t encountered a positive portrayal of a priest in popular media.
These findings reveal the urgent need to reclaim the narrative. The public image of the priesthood has been distorted. Through storytelling, witness, and truth, we reintroduce the world to priests who are joyful servants of God, spiritual fathers, and men of sacrificial love. Our Elevate Pillar uses the ThankAPriest.com program specifically to help repair the negative stereotypes of the priesthood.
