Survey suggests roughly half expect renewal with new pope
Pope's resignation endorsed by almost two thirds of Catholics
15 February, 16:47
(ANSA) - Rome, February 15 - Only about half of Italians
surveyed think that the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI will
generate renewal for the Church, says a poll released Friday.And 63% of practicing Catholics said they approved of his decision to step down on February 28 for health reasons, compared to 55% of non-Catholics.
The survey, conducted by market research group SWG after Monday's surprise announcement by Pope Benedict, found that 58% of practicing Catholics said they thought his move might renew the church, compared with 38% of non-Catholics.
The survey was conducted among about 1,000 Italians.
Brochure: 
