This week, the Vatican conclave made headlines by electing the first American pope, a Chicago native. Shortly thereafter, a genealogist revealed that the new pope's heritage is more diverse than previously understood.
Robert Francis Prevost, 69, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has ancestry connected to Creole people of color from New Orleans. The genealogical work conducted by Jari Honora, a historian based in New Orleans, relied on historical documents, including census records, many of which were provided by the Archdiocese of New Orleans or sourced independently.
The documents collectively trace the family background on Pope Leo’s mother’s side, revealing a rich history rooted in New Orleans's Afro-Caribbean culture before migrating to Chicago in the early 20th century. The reasons for this migration remain uncertain, though many Creole families sought better job opportunities and a less racially charged environment, reflecting the pope's current focus on addressing issues related to migrants and impoverished communities.
The findings also highlight a common narrative among some American people of color who experienced shifts in racial identification from Black to white. John Prevost, 71, the pope’s brother residing in suburban Chicago, confirmed the family's ancestry but noted that he and his siblings always identified as white. He remarked that their mother might have described her racial identity as Spanish.
The genealogical records date back to 1870, with the earliest known reference to the pope’s maternal grandfather, Joseph Martinez, appearing in the census where he is noted as a 6-year-old with Louisiana roots. Joseph married Louise Baquié in 1887, with both families having deep ties to New Orleans.
By the 1900 census, Joseph and Louise were recorded as residents of New Orleans, with two daughters, and identified as Black. Joseph was employed as a cigar maker, and his birthplace was listed as Haiti. Subsequent records indicate shifts in the family's racial categorization, as seen in the 1910 census where they were designated as white.
The family likely relocated to Chicago after 1910, with records indicating that Pope Leo’s mother, Mildred Martinez, was born there in 1911. Her race was recorded as white in various documents. The 1920 census confirmed the Martinez family's residence in Chicago, again listing their race as white.