Poll flags religious backlash to Trump-Hegseth remarks as Pope Leo XIV gains favor

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll finds Americans uneasy with Trump’s Jesus image and Hegseth’s Pentagon prayer, even among Republicans; Trump’s overall approval slips and Catholic support declines, while Pope Leo XIV is viewed more favorably, especially by Catholics and Democrats. About two-thirds familiar with Leo react positively to his call for peace, whereas the Iran-related post by Trump draws broad backlash (including from many evangelical voters). The results highlight a polarized, religion-influenced landscape in U.S. politics.