### Pope Leo XIV's Roots Reflect America's Immigrant Legacy and Racial History

In a historic milestone, Pope Leo XIV recently became the first American elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Born in Chicago, his family history mirrors the United States’ complex narrative of immigration and race. Ancestry, a leading genealogical service, revealed that Leo's paternal grandfather, John R Prevost, originally hailed from northeastern Sicily, adding another intriguing layer to his background.

During his inaugural address to global diplomats, Pope Leo emphasized that the dignity of migrants must be upheld, a statement seen by many as a potential challenge to the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies. "My own story is that of a citizen, the descendant of immigrants, who in turn chose to emigrate," Pope Leo said, addressing ambassadors at the Vatican.

Ancestry's research uncovered that Pope Leo’s grandfather, born Salvatore Giovanni Gaetano Riggitano on June 24, 1876, in Milazzo, Italy, arrived in New York aboard the steamship Perugia in May 1903. Like many of the 4 million Italians who immigrated to the US between 1880 and 1915, Riggitano sought to escape poverty and political strife. He later adopted the name John and took on the surname of his wife, Suzanne Prevost, becoming a language teacher in Chicago.

Kyle Betit, a senior genealogist with Ancestry, noted that the lineage continued to blend diverse cultural backgrounds. John's son, Louis Marius Prevost, married Mildred Agnes Martinez, a woman whose family had once identified as Black but switched to identifying as white by the 1920s amidst escalating racial tensions in the US. The family moved north to Chicago, a common choice for many Black families seeking to escape the oppressive conditions of the South.

Robert Prevost, the youngest son of Louis and Mildred, was ordained a priest in 1982 and went on to hold significant positions within the Catholic Church, eventually becoming a cardinal in September 2023. His illustrious journey culminated in his election as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, following a two-day conclave in Rome.

Betit observed the cyclical nature of history in Leo’s story, highlighting how his grandfather’s immigration from Italy to the US has now come full circle with Leo’s return to Italy as the Pope. The new Pope’s background underscores the interconnected narratives of migration and identity, resonating strongly in today's globalized world.

Amid increased immigration-related detentions and deportations marking President Trump's second term, Pope Leo’s emphasis on the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, signals a potential friction point with current US policies. His predecessor had often clashed with Trump on immigration, and Leo appears poised to continue this contentious dialogue.

Leo's ascent to the papacy is more than a religious milestone; it's a reflection of the diverse, often tumultuous, journey of America's immigrant populations. It's a testament to how varied threads of heritage and identity can weave together to shape influential global leaders.