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AI Overview

Yes, Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV, has African American roots in New Orleans. His maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié, were described as Black or mixed race in historical records, with Joseph being a Haitian immigrant and Louise being of New Orleans Creole descent, according to The New York Times and ABC News.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

New Orleans Creole Roots:

Pope Leo XIV's maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié, were Creole people of color from New Orleans.

Black Catholic Heritage:

This discovery highlights the rich, sometimes overlooked, Black Catholic heritage in America, according to The New York Times.

Family History:

Joseph Martinez, the Pope's maternal grandfather, was identified as Haitian in some records and later as from the Dominican Republic. Louise Baquié was described as being from New Orleans.

Racial Identity and Migration:

While records described the grandparents as Black or mixed race, the family later identified as white when they moved to Chicago, a common practice among Black families seeking to escape racial segregation, according to the BBC.

Celebration:

The discovery has been celebrated by Black Catholics and others who recognize the historical significance of this new Pope's ancestry, according to The Washington Post.