A new poll from CNN/ORC International shows that the Pope has record levels of popularity in the United States.

The poll showed that 88% of American Catholics believe the Pope is doing an outstanding job as the head of the church.  Those surveyed mentioned the way Pope Francis reaches out to the poor and needy as a big reason for their admiration.

However, the Pope’s popularity is not just limited to Catholics.  The CNN/ORCI poll showed that among the average American, the Pope has an almost 75% approval rating.  CNN’s Keating Holland said that number arguably makes Pope Francis the most well regarded religious figure in America.

The survey also showed that 2/3 of Catholics believe that Pope Francis is right about focusing less on social issues such as gay marriage and abortion and focusing more on issues like poverty and hunger.

The CNN report said that Francis is at a similar high as Pope John Paul II had in 1994.  They noted that popularity with Pope John Paul II fluctuated as the church dealt with the priest abuse scandal.