Black Catholic Messenger: Pope Leo XIV Publicly Acknowledges African Roots in New Interview
The comments come after HNOC genealogist Jari C. Honora uncovered the pontiff’s New Orleans Creole roots earlier this year.
Nate Tinner-Williams, Black Catholic Messenger
Watch the Interview
Pope Leo XIV spoke with author Elise Ann Allen of Crux Magazine for the interview in July 2025.
From the French Quarter to the Vatican
Shortly after Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the first American pope, HNOC’s Jari C. Honora uncovered a surprising New Orleans connection, revealing the pontiff’s maternal grandparents to be Creoles of color from the Seventh Ward.
Genealogy Resources
Our experts at the Williams Research Center are available to help you dive into your family history.
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