• Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has Creole roots linked to New Orleans.
• His maternal grandparents were identified as "free people of color" in historical records.
• The discovery underscores the complex racial identities within the Catholic community.
• Prominent figures call for recognition of Black Catholics’ historical contributions.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has emerged as a historic figure as the first American pope. Recently discovered genealogical records have traced his heritage back to Creole people of color from New Orleans. This revelation not only highlights his familial connections to the city but also signifies a broader narrative intertwined with American history. Jari Honora, the genealogist behind the findings, noted that all four of the pope's maternal great-grandparents were considered “free people of color” based on 19th-century census records, adding depth to the pope's multifaceted racial identity in the context of the Church’s history in America, according to Indiatimes and The New York Times.

The archival discovery indicates that Prevost’s ancestry includes connections to a rich tapestry of cultures in Louisiana, comprising French, Spanish, Native American, and African influences. This reflects the melting pot of identities that characterize Louisiana, especially within Creole communities. As historian Honora stated, this discovery may bolster the visibility of Black Catholics, who have historically been overlooked in the narrative of the Church, according to The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

Notably, figures like former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial have expressed mixed emotions regarding the pope's heritage. He highlighted a sense of pride associated with the pope's connection to New Orleans, yet also noted that the shifting racial identity of Prevost's family underscores a broader narrative of survival amid systemic racism. This reflects the complex realities faced by many individuals of mixed heritage navigating societal expectations, as emphasized by Morial's reflections on the implications of a Black and Creole Catholic lineage, according to Los Angeles Times and Africanews.

The Pope’s background sheds light on the experiences of many African American Catholics and may inspire a renewed focus on the contributions of Black Catholics within the Church. Rev. Ajani Gibson, leading a predominantly Black congregation in New Orleans, expressed hope that the pope's background will influence a more inclusive church perspective while honoring the rich cultural contributions of Black individuals to Catholicism in New Orleans, as reported by Los Angeles Times and Africanews.