Even so, the figures showed the divisive nature of the debate: Of those who attend Mass regularly, only 46% supported marriage for priests while 66% of those who attended less regularly supported marriage.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Only 14.4% of Spaniards regularly attend mass, and legal changes to allow divorce, gay marriage and abortion have caused concern to the Church.

BBC: Pope Benedict consecrates Barcelona's Sagrada Familia

His campaign platform includes expanding mass transit, opposing hydraulic fracturing, increasing funding of education and passing gay-marriage legislation.

WSJ: Ex-Obama Aide Makes Bid in N.J.