A new CBS News/New York Times poll reports that U.S. Catholics think the Vatican has done a “poor job” handling the clergy sex abuse scandal, although Pope Benedict’s approval rating is up to 43 percent, compared to 27 percent in March.

The survey also found that 31 percent of Catholics said celibacy is a major factor leading to sexual abuse, only slightly more than the 30 percent who believe the same could be said for homosexuality. Only 17 percent said they believe the all-male priesthood is a major factor in the abuse problem.

For more detailed analysis, check out David Gibson’s column over at Politics Daily:

• Priest Sex Abuse Survey: Catholics See Links to Celibacy, Homosexuality
• Vatican’s Handling of Clergy Sex Abuse Gets Failing Grade in Survey

On the same topic, a Zogby poll slated to be released tomorrow reports that 16 percent of U.S. Catholics think Benedict should resign, compared to 64 percent who think he should remain pontiff. (The rest are in the don’t know/not sure category.)

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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