Washington, Dec 28 (EFE).– President Barack Obama, Pope Francis and controversial magnate Donald Trump are, in that order, the most admired men this year in the United States, according to an annual survey published Monday by Gallup.

According to the survey, carried out on Dec. 2-6 among 824 adults nationwide, 17 percent of those interviewed say their “most admired man” is Obama, who occupies the top slot for the eight time.

In second place is Pope Francis, who in September made an historic visit to the United States, with 5 percent.

In third place, tied with the pontiff, comes 2016 Republican presidential hopeful Trump, who this year has sparked much controversy with the insults and provocations with which he has spiced up his campaign.

“Trump’s surprisingly strong and often controversial presidential campaign has made him a prominent news figure this year and, thus, top-of-mind for many Americans,” said Gallup in a statement.

Also appearing among the 10 most admired men are Sen. Bernie Sanders, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the Dalai Lama and former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Hillary Clinton is far and away the most admired woman, according to the survey, for the 20th time since 1993, backed by 13 percent of the poll participants.

Following Clinton is young Pakistani activist and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and Oprah Winfrey, with 5 percent and 4 percent support, respectively.

Other admired women on the list include first lady Michelle Obama, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. EFE