Pope Francis more popular than world leaders: pollMarch 24, 2016 - 11:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis is more popular than any political world leader, an opinion poll has suggested, according to BBC News. The poll by WIN/Gallup International indicates that Roman Catholics and Jews have the most favorable opinion of the Pope. 75% of Armenians reported to have a favorable opinion of the Pope, irrespective of their own religion. More than half of the world's protestants and even the majority of atheists and agnostics view him favorably. The Pope was most popular with Roman Catholics, of whom 85% said they had a favourable opinion of him, and among Jews questioned the figure was 65%. Among the 64 countries polled, Portugal was the most enthusiastic nation with 94% thinking favorably of the Pope. Pope Francis's lowest ratings came in Tunisia, Turkey and Algeria, while most people in Azerbaijan said they did not know much about him. WIN/Gallup International President Jean-Marc Leger said: "Pope Francis is a leader who transcends his own religion. Our study shows that an ample majority of citizens of the world, of different religious affiliations and across regions, have a favorable image of the Pope." Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |