Polish support for joining the European Union took its biggest leap after Pope John Paul II endorsed his home country's membership on a recent visit home.
An opinion poll released today showed support for EU entry rose by nine points to 52 per cent in a survey held after the Pope's EU endorsement during a four-day visit in August.
The pro-EU swing was greatest among the elderly and practising Catholics.
The survey of 1,000 people showed 18 per cent opposed joining the EU, down from 24 per cent in early August. The remainder expressed no opinion.
The Pontiff had urged Roman Catholic Poles not to give up their values and identity upon joining the EU.
Polish Prime Minister Mr Leszek Miller has proposed holding a national referendum on joining the EU in May.