UK Poll Tests Public Opinion Ahead of Papal Visit

Photo Source: St. Mary's University College Twickenham London

LONDON, SEPT. 3, 2010 (Zenit.org).- How many people would recognize Benedict XVI if he walked down the street without his papal apparel? In Britain, two out of three adults correctly identified him.

This was one of the results reported by The Tablet, a U.K. Catholic newspaper, from a poll undertaken by the survey organization Ipsos.

The poll, which surveyed face-to-face 996 British adults (including 117 Catholics), found that at least one in five are planning to follow closely the Pontiff's Sept. 16-19 visit, by means of newspaper, television, radio or internet.

In the general population, 10% are planning to attend the events of the papal visit. Of the Catholics interviewed, 71% will be participating in these events.

The results showed that 25% of the general population supports the Holy Father's visit, with 11% opposed and 63% stating that they are neither for nor against it.

The majority (67%) of the adults surveyed agreed that British society should retain its Christian culture, with only 8% opposing this idea.

In the general population, 49% expressed the belief that it is a good thing the Catholic Church has strong moral views.

The poll found that a great majority (93%) of people know that the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, while only 77% affirm that the queen is the head of the Church of England.