A majority of Roman Catholics in the U.S. are critical of the way Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican have handled reports of sexual abuse but have confidence the Vatican will make changes to prevent abuse in the future, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll released on Tuesday. Most say the Vatican is out of touch.
More than three of four say it is not necessary to believe in papal authority to be a good Catholic.
But a majority say that most priests understand Catholics' needs and that they trust their own priest with their children.
Only one in 10 now say the clergy sexual abuse issue is prompting them to consider leaving the church.
SIC: TWC