Pope Leo XIV has delved into his family history, revealing his ancestry included both enslaved people and slave owners. In a recent interview, the first American pontiff shared that his maternal grandparents, residents of New Orleans, are described in census records as “black” and “mulatto”.
Pope Leo XIV’s Family History
The pope’s remarks on his family history come after research found he had a mix of European and African American ancestors. His ancestors included both slave owners and enslaved people. Pope Leo XIV has previously spoken out against the “inhuman” treatment of immigrants and has criticized the US military intervention in Iran.
The pope also expressed his love for the United States, valuing the country’s “sense of freedom, the sense of opportunity” and “of having invited for generations people from around the world to be part of America.” He raised the possibility of visiting the US at some point over the next two years, saying “they will see me there.”
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
