There are more liberal Catholics today than in previous years (growing number of younger Catholics liberals) but still, here in the US Catholics are still conservative. I believe it's about 70% of Catholics identify as conservative or moderate.
Popes do not usually have a place on the American political spectrum and while he seems more open to modernity, he's been considered a traditionalist most of his life. His views on women, gender, abortion would likely slot him conservative if you had to, but he wouldn't be far right (supported universal health care for example).
Also...I agreed with your other comment that religion was an opportunity for pedophiles...but still...its an institution that has actively covered up widespread pedophilia and has long been complicite in it.