I’m not saying he influences politics directly, I’m saying he influences the way the vast population of worldwide catholics think. So the influence is indirect but major.
In case of Poland, I think the government feels like it’s safe to go with such a radical policy because they know most of the population obliges the will of the church, which is anti-choice. The same goes for the lgbt discrimination. I think now that the pope started speaking a bit lgbt friendlier, the public opinion might start to be more divided, which will hopefully mean the topic will be less of a safe bet for populists.
Let me add that I too appreciate you discussing with me peacefully, I’m actually having quite a nice time, which is a rare experience when it comes to online politics.