A new poll of Catholics worldwide by Spanish-language network Univision confirms something we have known for a while now. Despite the thunder from the Vatican against same-sex marriage, a majority of American Catholics support marriage equality.

Given the horrible treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Africa, it’s no surprise that 99 percent of Catholics on that continent are against same-sex marriage. Catholics in the Philippines (84 percent), Latin America (57 percent) and Europe (56 percent) also oppose marriage equality. But in the United States, 54 percent of Catholics surveyed “support marriage between two persons of the same sex.”

If you’re surprised by this then you’ll be surprised to know that Catholics in this country have been at the forefront of acceptance of same-sex relationships for years now. In June 2010, I wrote about how they (and men) were the best friends of the gays. According to a Gallup poll then, 62 percent called same-sex relationships “morally acceptable.”

In March 2011, The Post-ABC News poll asked about support of same-sex marriage. An astounding 63 percent of white Catholics thought it should be legal. That same month a poll from Public Religion Research Institute revealed that Catholics were more supportive of LGBT issues than the general population.

In short, the Univision poll shows once again that Catholics lead the way on same-sex marriage. Well, at least here in the United States.

Follow Jonathan on Twitter: @Capehartj