Pope John Paul II and Catholic Opinion Toward the Death Penalty and Abortion

Author: Mulligan, Kenneth

Source: Social Science Quarterly, Volume 87, Number 3, September 2006 , pp. 739-753(15)

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Abstract:

Objective.

Research on opinion leadership examines the convergence of opinion between elites and masses on issues of public policy. I examine the confluence of opinion between Pope John Paul II and American Catholics on the death penalty and legalized abortion. Method.

I use data from three nationally representative opinion surveys and one statewide survey conducted prior to John Paul's death. Results.

The results support the supposition that Catholics who esteemed the pope are more negative in their evaluations of the death penalty and abortion. Conclusions.

John Paul II, as leader of the Catholic Church, may have influenced Catholic opinion on political issues.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2006.00407.x

Affiliations: 1: Southern Illinois University

Publication date: 2006-09-01