Irish people favour sweeping reforms within Catholic Church
It shows Irish attitudes and beliefs diverge hugely with the views of newly-elected Pope Benedict XVI across key areas.
Despite these differences, the poll results indicate church attendance remains a regular feature of weekly activity for many Irish people.
Over 80% of respondents in the Sunday Tribune/IMS poll said the Church should relax its views on artificial contraception. Three quarters said the Church should also allow women priests, support IVF treatment for childless couples and relax its stance on divorce.
Almost 90% said the Church should change its stance on its ban on condoms to prevent the spread of the AIDS virus.
A majority (53%) among the over-65s, whose views would reflect more orthodox religious values, favour change in the Church’s stance on artificial contraception. Some 90% of the under-50s back a relaxation of Church attitudes on the topic.
Among people who say they go to Mass at least once a week, almost three-quarters favour change in Church teaching on artificial contraception; nearly 70% of this category favour women priests; 65% support IVF treatment for couples, and 58% want the church to relax its views on pre-marital sex.
Two in five people go to Mass at least once a week, the poll shows.
