Gallup poll reveals most popular newsmakers: These are the only three individuals with a positive image

According to Gallup, three public figures currently hold a positive net favorability rating in the United States.

Leading the list is Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native who was elected head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. Pope Leo spent much of his life in Peru before rising to prominence in the Vatican under Pope Francis. The Gallup poll found that 57 percent of respondents had a favorable opinion of Pope Leo, while only 11 percent viewed him negatively, giving him a net favorability rating of 46 percent. Gallup noted that these figures are very similar to those of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict shortly after they were named Supreme Pontiff in 2013 and 2005, respectively.

Next up, we have Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was seen in a positive light by 52 percent of those who responded to the survey. However, his net approval sits at 18 percent. Since a similar Gallup poll conducted in 2023, President Zelenskyy’s disapproval has increased from 29 to 34 percent.

The final figure to receive a positive approval rating is independent Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime leader of progressive politics and a self-described democratic socialist. Unlike Pope Leo and President Zelensky, Sanders’ favorability sits just below 50 percent, with a negative rating of 38 percent, giving him a net approval of 11 percent.

Earlier this year, Sanders drew massive crowds during a nationwide tour aimed at challenging actions taken by the Trump administration. While the frustration and anger that fueled these rallies have yet to coalesce into a broader political movement, the strong turnout at his events underscores a growing interest in left-wing politics—an interest that many feel is being overlooked by the Democratic Party.

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