When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica recently, it marked a historic moment not just for the Catholic Church but also for its diverse followers globally. Among them was Father Lawrence Ndlovu of Johannesburg, South Africa. As he observed the new pontiff, he noticed the complexion that diverged from what is traditionally seen in the papacy and felt a connection that transcended mere religion. “He’s not the classical white sort of person,” he remarked, reflecting the sentiments of a community hungry for representation within the highest ranks of the Church.
Pope Leo's roots trace back to a vibrant Creole community in New Orleans, a detail that has stirred joy among many Catholics of color. For Father Ndlovu, this connection is significant. “There is a part of him that is also us,” he said, encapsulating the hope that the new pope would advocate for issues relevant to those identifying with African heritage.
The exact details surrounding Leo's ancestry reveal complexities, with documents pointing to his maternal grandfather potentially being from the Dominican Republic or Haiti and his grandparents described as Black or mulatto. Known for its melting pot of cultures, the Seventh Ward in New Orleans—where his ancestors lived—gives context to their storied past.
Edwin Espinal Hernández, a celebrated genealogist from the Dominican Republic, has explored these family ties and suggested that the pope’s roots deepen in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where some evidence suggests his grandfather may have originated.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, his diverse heritage is more than just a nod to history; it is a beacon of hope for countless individuals yearning for inclusivity and representation within the global Catholic community. This moment illustrates the evolving identity of the Church and its embrace of a broader spectrum of humanity amidst its longstanding traditions.
