Tracing the Hidden African Ancestry of Pope Leo XIV: A Creole Legacy

Robert Francis Prevost has been appointed Pope Leo XIV, marking him as the first American-born pope. While he identifies as white, genealogical research by experts reveals connections to Louisiana’s Black and Creole communities. Notably, his maternal lineage extends to 19th-century “free people of color” in New Orleans, highlighting the intricate tapestry of American identities, according to genealogist Jari C. Honora. Prevost’s family history underscores the longstanding presence of Black Catholics in the U.S., an area deserving of recognition and exploration.