I think this is the most likable Pope in modern times even for those that aren’t religious.
For faithful Catholics, Pope Francis is probably the most disappointing pope in several centuries. I admire Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI much more, and think John Paul II was much more liked than Francis is. Popularity is not always characteristic of something virtuous and the virtuous are not always popular. And popularity can be fickle. Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with admirers waiving palm fronds and the next week was killed on a cross.
I guess there is some irony that Pope Frances is more liked by non-Catholics than is predecessors and less by practicing Catholics.
Overall, he has a high favorability among the general public, even if Catholics bring down that average.
Roger Federer ? Don't know anyone who doesn't like him.
Nadal fans and Djokovic fans don't like him. You need to peek at a tennis forum to see how much vitriol exists. LRC looks mild compared to those places.
China and India comprise about 36% of the world's population. US is the next biggest with about 4.25%. Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, Bangladesh and Nigeria combined are another 11%. But there are people of Indian and Chinese descent all over the world.
Who is popular/well-liked in both India and China? American cinema is viewed over much of the world. Western music can be heard many places. American TV personalities like Opra are not really known overseas.