The more that Americans learn about Pope Leo XIV and his rich, complex family history, the more they find relatable connections. Recent genealogical research has revealed intriguing details about his lineage, showcasing how diverse and multifaceted his background truly is. This exploration has not only captivated the interest of many but has also sparked a sense of pride among residents of New Orleans, who discovered that Pope Leo descends from Creole people of color.
On his mother's side, genealogists uncovered that Pope Leo XIV's ancestors hailed from the vibrant Creole culture of New Orleans. This revelation has deeply resonated with the community, as they celebrate the connection to the first American pope. However, this is just one part of the intriguing story surrounding the pope's family history.
Recently, another captivating chapter of Pope Leo's ancestry has come to light. Genealogists have traced his paternal grandparents back to Chicago, where they faced scandalous accusations over a century ago. In a time when social norms were more conservative, Robert Prevost's grandparents were arrested for what was described as “unbecoming conduct.” Sensationalist newspapers of the late 1910s covered the story extensively, dubbing it an “illicit affair” that spiraled into a love triangle.
Historical records reveal that Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano, the pope’s grandfather, was originally married to another woman while he was accused of being in a relationship with Suzanne Fontaine, who would eventually become his grandmother. Their controversial romance led to a significant change in their lives; Mr. Riggitano and Ms. Fontaine later adopted the surname Prevost, taken from Suzanne's mother, thus starting a new family line that would eventually connect to the Vatican.
The narrative of Pope Leo XIV’s grandparents, who were European immigrants navigating love and legal challenges in Chicago, remains somewhat incomplete and shrouded in mystery. However, public records provide valuable insights into their origins in Italy and France, painting a picture of their journey to America and their eventual connection to the pope.
A group of dedicated online genealogists, known as the Genealogy Discord, recently published a report detailing the backgrounds of Pope Leo's grandparents. Their research offers a fascinating look into how names and lives transformed over time, ultimately leading to the elevation of Robert Prevost as the pope, who is set to be formally installed in Rome on Sunday.
As this captivating story unfolds, it highlights not only the pope's rich family heritage but also the way history can connect us all, reminding us of the diverse threads that weave the fabric of our identities.
