I don’t know their feelings about the Pope as we never discuss religion or politics (they’re all Rats, too).
It must be hard to have a man at the top of the career ladder, and a distinct hierarchy, in a religion, especially if there are major theological differences.
I agree, it would be difficult.
I have a conservative Catholic friend who, like you, never discussed politics or religion with them but she has seen that most do like the current Pope.
For the life of me I can’t understand how Catholics (I was raised Catholic, now fallen away) can be part of the Democrat party.