The Roman Catholic Church entered a new era when the Papal throne was occupied by Americans. First, the Argentine Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis in 2013, and then the American Robert Francis Prevé, elected under the name Leo XIV in 2025. Both pontiffs brought the spirit of the New World to the Vatican, combining decisive innovations with deep respect for the two-thousand-year-old tradition.

Pope Francis: the first pope from Latin America

The election of the Argentine cardinal in 2013 was a historic event. For the first time in two millennia, the head of the Roman Catholic Church was not a European, but a Latin American. Francis immediately began to change the style of papal service, rejecting the luxury of the Apostolic Palace in favor of a modest guesthouse, preferring simple clothes and direct dialogue with people on the streets.

As a pontiff, he brought the spirit of "the church for the poor" to the Vatican, wrote the encyclical "Laudato Si" on climate protection and criticism of consumerism. Francis initiated processes of debureaucratization of the church, fighting corruption, and creating a more open hierarchical structure. At the same time, he did not break the dogmas, but rather created "processes capable of changing the face of faith over time". His reforms always balanced on the edge of innovation and loyalty to tradition.

Francis showed by example that the church can be closer to people, and this approach became the foundation for his successor.

Pope Leo XIV: the first pope from the United States

On May 8, 2025, the white smoke over the Sistine Chapel announced a new historic event: for the first time, the Pope was a native of the United States. The 69-year-old cardinal Robert Francis Prevé, taking the name Leo XIV, began a new era. He became the 267th pope and the first pontiff from the United States.

The choice of an American was perceived as a compromise figure between conservative and progressive forces within the church. However, as observers note, Leo XIV is largely a continuation of Francis's line. He formed as a bishop in Latin America (served in Peru for a long time) and shares many left, socially-oriented views. His election became not a "triumph of trumpism", but rather a continuation of the course on "the church for the poor".

As a cardinal, Leo XIV criticized mandatory deportations of immigrants and advocated for the defense of the vulnerable. In his first speech on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he called for "helping each other build bridges" and thanked his predecessor.

The United States as a symbol of innovation

The American origin of Leo XIV is even evident in the details. One of the most discussed symbols was the Chicago White Sox baseball cap, in which the pontiff appeared at the general audience. This is not just a fashionable accessory, but a "sign", "a literal tribute" to his Chicago roots and the cultural influence of the United States. For the first time in history, the Pope demonstrated such a close connection with the American popular culture.

However, Leo XIV is not just an "American pope". He is also a citizen of Peru, having received citizenship in 2015. Like Francis, he represents the "global South" and speaks not only in English but also in Spanish. His personality symbolizes the globalization of the church.

The balance between innovation and tradition

Both pontiffs from America demonstrate that innovation does not necessarily contradict tradition. Francis, advocating for "bold freedom of speech" and protecting the poor, simultaneously confirmed the values of the liturgical reform and loyalty to the teaching. Leo XIV, combining American pragmatism and Latin American experience, continues this course, striving to unite Catholics worldwide in times of divisions and people leaving the church.

The Vatican under the leadership of Americans is becoming less Eurocentric. The church is no longer perceived exclusively as an "Italian" or "European" institution, but is transforming into a global force capable of speaking the language of different cultures. Innovations affect not only style but also the structure of governance, social service, and communication with believers.

The American popes have brought a spirit of openness, simplicity, and readiness for dialogue to the Vatican. They show that traditions can be alive and not ossified, and that the church is capable of changing while remaining faithful to its calling. This is the main legacy of Francis and Leo XIV — the ability to combine innovation with respect for history, creating a bridge between the past and the future.
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