(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in the United States disagree with the views of Pope Benedict XVI on the way Catholic politicians should deal with the topic of pregnancy termination, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 53 per cent of respondents believe Catholic politicians who support abortion rights should not be denied communion.

In April 2005, 78-year-old Joseph Ratzinger—who acted as dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals—was elected as the new Pope and chose the name Benedict XVI. Ratzinger had served as archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1977 to 1982. 44 per cent of respondents have a favourable impression of the Pope.

Earlier this month, during a visit to Brazil, Benedict XVI was asked about the views of Mexican Church leaders, who have threatened to excommunicate the Mexico City lawmakers who approved a proposal to allow abortion in the first 12 weeks of gestation. The Pope declared: "Yes, this excommunication was not an arbitrary one but is allowed by canon (church) law which says that the killing of an innocent child is incompatible with receiving communion, which is receiving the body of Christ."

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi clarified the pontiff's statement, saying, "Since excommunication hasn't been declared by the Mexican bishops, the Pope has no intention himself of declaring it. Legislative action in favour of abortion is incompatible with participation in the Eucharist. Politicians exclude themselves from communion."

On May 10, a group of 18 Roman Catholic members of the U.S. Congress issued a statement in response to the Pope's remarks, which read: "Promoting respect for life and for the dignity of every human being is, as our church has taught us, our own life's mission. (...) The fact is that religious sanction in the political arena directly conflicts with our fundamental beliefs about the role and responsibility of democratic representatives in a pluralistic America—it also clashes with freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution."

Polling Data

The Pope believes that Catholic politicians who support abortion rights should be denied communion. Do you agree or disagree?

Do you have a favourable or unfavourable impression of Pope Benedict?

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