Unexpected Ancestry Revealed for Newly Elected Pope Leo XIV

The newly appointed Pope Leo XIV has a surprisingly diverse family background, with ancestors originating from France, Italy, Spain, and the United States, as well as Cuba, Canada, Haiti, and Guadeloupe. A genealogical investigation conducted with experts from Miami and Boston traced his lineage back to the 1500s, uncovering some notable relationships.

Among his relatives are at least 17 Black ancestors, including his Haitian grandfather, Joseph Nerval Martínez. His family history also reveals connections to eight ancestors who were slaveholders, half of whom were Black. This heritage highlights a complex and multicultural ancestry that spans several continents.

Leo XIV’s rise to the papacy marked a historic milestone as he became the first American-born pope. His family ties extend to several well-known figures, many of whom share distant cousinships. He is ninth cousins—many times removed—with global celebrities like Madonna, Justin Bieber, Angelina Jolie, and prominent political figures such as Hillary Clinton and Justin Trudeau.

Adding to his notable family tree, he is also distantly related to the renowned American author Jack Kerouac. The pope was elected on May 9 after just two days of voting by the College of Cardinals, following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on April 21. Leo XIV is the 267th pope in the history of the Catholic Church and is recognized for his humble nature and potential to bring unity across the church and the wider world.