POPE Benedict XVI has an image problem with the Australian public,
with perceptions he has done a poor job handling charges of sexual abuse
of children and teenagers by priests.
A survey by UMR Research has found that 43 per cent of
people have a negative opinion of the Pope.
That compares with 29 per
cent with a positive perception and 27 per cent who are unsure or have a
neutral opinion.
The poll of 1000 people taken late last month shows
criticism of the Pope was particularly strong among people aged over 50,
people living in regional areas and non-Catholics.
It found 76 per cent of people believed the Pope and the
Vatican had done a poor job of handling charges of sexual abuse of
children by priests.
SIC: TA/AUS