A Surprising Royal Connection
On May 8, 2025, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV. Soon after, genealogy experts unveiled a fascinating revelation: the new pope’s lineage extends far beyond the Vatican, linking him closely with some notable global figures, including former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and pop icon Madonna.
Tracing Roots Back to the 1500s
In collaboration with teams from American Ancestors and the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami, historian and genealogist Jari C. Honora traced Pope Leo’s family tree all the way back to his 12th-great-grandparents in the early 16th century. This deep dive into history also discovered recent African American ancestry, extending just three generations back, illuminating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
An International Family Web
The pope’s ancestors hail from a remarkable array of countries. In total, there are documented origins in France (40), Italy (24), Spain (21), the United States (22), Cuba (10), Canada (6), Haiti (1), and Guadeloupe (1). The birthplace of nine other ancestors remains unknown, painting a picture of a truly global family tree.
Notable Relatives: Politics, Arts, and Literature
More than just names on paper, Pope Leo is connected through a shared ancestor from the 1590s to an array of prominent personalities. This ninth-cousin relationship (variously removed) links him with politicians such as Hillary Clinton and the Trudeau family, alongside entertainment figures including Angelina Jolie, Justin Bieber, Jack Kerouac, and Madonna.
The Complexity of Ancestry: Black Heritage and Slavery
Genealogical research highlights a complex narrative of identity and history. Among the American-born ancestors, 17 were identified as Black, described in historic records with terms like “negresse,” “free person of colour,” and “quadroon.” Notably, Pope Leo’s grandfather, Joseph Nerval Martínez, was born in Haiti to African American parents who had returned to New Orleans in 1866.
Adding a layer of complexity, 12 of his ancestors were slaveholders, including eight who were Black. One poignant story within the lineage involves Marie Jeanne, an ancestor born into slavery who gained her freedom and later acquired a substantial estate of 1,040 acres along with five enslaved individuals.
Revolutionary Ancestors
History also records that several branches of Pope Leo’s family tree played roles in significant political upheavals. One ancestor actively fought for American independence, while another, Antonio José de Sucre, emerged as a celebrated Latin American independence leader and became the first president of Bolivia.
Family History as a Window into Global Heritage
This extraordinary genealogical journey not only emphasizes Pope Leo XIV’s diverse roots but also reflects a broader story of migration, identity, and resilience across continents and centuries. His heritage connects powerful movements of history, from transatlantic journeys to revolutionary struggles and cultural achievements.
