The history of the Roman Catholic Church has entered a new era with the Papacy being occupied by Americans. First, the Argentine Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis in 2013, and then the American Robert Francis Prevo, 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 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 a man not from Europe, but from Latin America. 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 clothing 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 the 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 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 USA

On May 8, 2025, the white smoke over the Sistine Chapel heralded a new historic event: for the first time, the Pope was an indigenous American. The 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevo, taking the name Leo XIV, began a new era. He became the 267th pope and the first pontiff from the USA.

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

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

America 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 baseball cap of the Chicago White Sox team, in which the pontiff appeared at a 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 USA. For the first time in history, the Pope demonstrated such a close connection with the folk American 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 English but also Spanish. His personality symbolizes the globalization of the church.

A balance between innovation and tradition

Both pontiffs from America demonstrate that innovation does not necessarily contradict tradition. Francis, advocating for "brave freedom of speech" and the protection of the poor, simultaneously confirmed the values of liturgical reform and loyalty to the teachings. Leo XIV, combining American pragmatism and Latin American experience, continues this course, striving to unite Catholics from all over the world in times of schisms and the departure of people from 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 the spirit of openness, simplicity, and readiness for dialogue to the Vatican. They show that traditions can be alive, 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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