In French presidential race, Fillon holds large lead among practicing Catholics

In this year’s presidential contest, Francois Fillon continues to hold a formidable lead among French voters who are practicing Catholics, a new survey shows.

The poll by the weekly Famille Chrétienne found that 49% of the voters identified as practicing Catholic now plan to vote for Fillon in the preliminary ballot in April. 

If, as expected, Fillon faces Marine Le Pen in the final run-off, an overwhelming 71% of practicing Catholics will support him. 

Fillon also holds a distinct edge among Catholic voters who do not regularly practice their faith. 

The survey found that 30% of the voters in that category would favor him in the first round of voting, and 63% in a final contest against Le Pen.

References:

• Les catholiques pratiquants confirment leur attachement à François Fillon (Le Figaro)