Pope Leo XIV shares distant relatives with Madonna and Justin Bieber, revealing a complex family tree that spans continents and includes both Black slaveholders and nobility, according to groundbreaking research by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has been discovered to have distant familial connections to celebrities, including Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Angelina Jolie
- His multicultural ancestry spans continents with roots in France, Italy, Spain, the U.S., Cuba, Canada, Haiti, and Guadeloupe
- Pope Leo XIV has African-American heritage through his grandfather, who was born to African-American parents in Haiti
- Genealogical research revealed the Pope’s lineage includes enslaved people, slaveowners, freedom fighters, and European noblemen
- His family tree also connects him to political figures like Hillary Clinton and Canadian Prime Ministers Pierre and Justin Trudeau
Celebrity Connections Revealed in Papal Lineage
The comprehensive genealogical study conducted by renowned scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. has uncovered surprising connections between Pope Leo XIV and numerous celebrities. The research, which traced the pontiff’s lineage back to 16th-century Quebec, revealed that the Pope is a “ninth cousin, various times removed” to pop icon Madonna and Canadian singer Justin Bieber. This distant kinship stems from a common Canadian ancestor, Louis Boucher de Grandpré, who hailed from Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
Beyond these musical connections, the study found that Pope Leo XIV’s extended family tree includes Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, literary figure Jack Kerouac, and political heavyweights Hillary Clinton and the Trudeau family of Canada. These unexpected connections highlight the intricate web of human relationships that often remain hidden until thorough genealogical work brings them to light. The research was conducted with assistance from the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami and American Ancestors.
Multicultural Heritage Spanning Continents
Perhaps most fascinating about Pope Leo XIV’s ancestry is its remarkable diversity. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the 267th pontiff who succeeded Pope Francis on May 9, 2025, carries a genetic heritage that spans multiple continents. His ancestry includes roots in European countries like France, Italy, and Spain, but extends far beyond to the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Cuba, Haiti, and Guadeloupe.
“The Pope’s ancestry is a rich tapestry of global migration, cultural fusion, and resilience,” said Brenton Simons, genealogist.
The research particularly highlights Pope Leo XIV’s African-American roots, with findings indicating that his grandfather was born to African-American parents in Haiti. This mixed heritage represents a significant aspect of the Pope’s identity and makes him unique among his predecessors. His lineage includes not only enslaved people but also, remarkably, some ancestors who were slaveholders, demonstrating the complex and often contradictory nature of family histories across generations.
Historical Significance of the Papal Genealogy
The genealogical work spearheaded by Henry Louis Gates Jr. extends beyond mere celebrity connections to offer profound insights into American and global history. Gates, known for his PBS series “Finding Your Roots,” has made these ancestral discoveries particularly meaningful by highlighting how they reflect larger patterns of migration, cultural exchange, and historical developments that have shaped our world. The Pope’s family tree includes freedom fighters and noblemen, alongside the previously mentioned slaveholders and enslaved people.
“Henry Louis Gates Jr., best known for helping people and celebrities uncover ancestral connections on his long-running PBS series ‘Finding Your Roots,’ has made headlines again with a viral family tree revelation involving the newly elected Pope Leo XIV,” noted the researcher’s team in a press release.
As the first Pope from North America, Leo XIV has already made history through his election on May 9, 2025, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. The revelation of his diverse ancestry further cements his historical significance, offering a powerful symbol of the global nature of Catholicism and the complex interconnectedness of human history. With at least 17 Black relatives identified in the study, Pope Leo XIV embodies a living connection to multiple cultural traditions and historical experiences.
Impact on Public Perception
The revelations about Pope Leo XIV’s family connections have sparked considerable public interest and discussion. While some view these celebrity connections as mere curiosities, others see deeper significance in how they humanize the pontiff and demonstrate the interconnectedness of all people. The findings have particular resonance at a time when questions of heritage, identity, and cultural belonging remain prominent in public discourse.
“‘Like A Prayer’ hits different when you find out the Pope is related to Madonna,” quipped Henry Louis Gates Jr. during a recent interview.
For conservative Catholics and Americans who value our diverse heritage while maintaining traditional values, these revelations offer a reminder that our backgrounds are often more complex than we imagine. Pope Leo XIV’s lineage shows that even as we honor our various cultural traditions and ancestral connections, we can remain united in our commitment to faith, family, and country. This research provides a remarkable window into the rich tapestry of American and global history that shapes our present and future.
