A new poll shows that nearly 70 per cent of U.S. Catholics agree with comments made by Pope Francis in his recent extensive interview with a Jesuit Italian journal where he stressed that Catholics cannot "insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods."

According to the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, support for the pope's remarks was about the same across age groups, sexes and weekly Massgoers and those who attend church less frequently.

Twenty-three per cent disagreed with his comments.

The poll – taken Sept. 23-29 and released Oct. 4 – also showed that 53 per cent of American Catholics view Pope Francis favorably; 36 per cent have a very favourable opinion of him and four per cent view him negatively.