Pope Leo XIV has roots in New Orleans’ vibrant Black Catholic community

Pope Leo IX ancestry linked to St. Landry Parish since 1792

ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- It's amazing what a trip to the courthouse will get you, because come to find out, the Pope, Robert Francis Prevost has a family history right in St. Landry Parish that dates all the way back to 1792. "I was informed by Mr. Jagneaux, the Clerk here, that maybe we should check and see specifically because they were tying two names that are very associated here with the parish, which was the Baquie family and the L…

Why the Black Pope Matters — from New Orleans’ 7th Ward to South Los Angeles and Beyond

Reports that the new leader of the Catholic Church has mixed African ancestry offer a fascinating antidote to President Trump’s attacks on diversity in America. The post Why the Black Pope Matters — from New Orleans’ 7th Ward to South Los Angeles and Beyond appeared first on .

Could Leo XIV be the first Black pope? His New Orleans roots say yes

There’s no record the new pope ever identified as Black, and he may never have researched his family’s roots in New Orleans.

MAX REICHARD: Family ties span centuries and countries

Pope Leo XIV and I are fourth cousins. I am grateful to Jari Honora of the Historic New Orleans Collection for bringing Pope Leo XIV’s New Orleans Baquié family roots to my attention in the newspaper.

New Pope Leo T-shirts honoring his New Orleans roots

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — When local T-shirt shop Dirty Coast heard that Pope Leo XIV had family ties to New Orleans, they did what they do best and made a clever T-shirt. Dirty Coast added some very specific features to honor the new pope. WGNO's Kenny Lopez shows you how you can show off your pope pride. Pope Leo XIV’s Creole heritage highlights complex history of racism and the church in America In true New Orleans fashion, when news breaks,…

Pope Leo XIV has roots in New Orleans’ vibrant Black Catholic community

The revelation that Pope Leo XIV has Louisiana Creole roots shines a light on a community of Catholics that has shaped New Orleans, from a famous Voodoo priestess to the self-proclaimed inventor of jazz.