Pope Leo XIV related to Madonna, Justin Bieber and Angelina Jolie
Published in News & Features
The newly appointed Pope Leo XIV has several star-studded branches on his family tree.
The New York Times took deep dive into the new pope’s lineage and found that his cousins include Madonna, Justin Bieber and Angelina Jolie.
The Catholic leader, who made history by becoming the first American pope following the death of Pope Francis, also shares roots with several politicians. Through one Canadian ancestor, he’s distant cousins with Pierre and Justin Trudeau and Hillary Clinton, according to the Times.
The research was a collaboration between the publication and genealogists from American Ancestors and the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami. The team, led by historian and “Finding Your Roots” host Henry Louis Gates Jr., also note that Leo has African American ancestors and Creole roots tied to New Orleans.
“This was earth-shattering news, but we knew it was only the beginning,” Gates said while commenting on the diversity of his lineage.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo’s immediate family includes his older brothers Louis and John Prevost.
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