U.S. Catholics strongly favor liberalization of church policies

Pope Francis remains popular among members, especially Democrats

St. Mary Basilica in Netchez, Miss. Photo by Brandon Morgan; licensed by Unsplash.

A strong majority of U.S. Catholics would welcome liberalizing changes in their church, including the ordination of women as priests, a new survey by the Pew Research Center shows.

Nearly two-thirds, 64 percent, say women should be allowed to become priests, and a somewhat …