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Pope Leo is Related to Hillary Clinton and Justin Trudeau: Genealogists
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Pope Leo XIV is distantly related to a number of prominent figures, including Hillary Clinton and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to a genealogy investigation published by the New York Times.
Newsweek contacted the Vatican for comment via the affiliated Vatican News service by email and Hillary Clinton via the Clinton Foundation's online inquiry form for comment on Friday.
Why It Matters
Pope Leo, formally known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, became the first American pontiff in history on May 8 following his election by the College of Cardinals in the Vatican. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he previously served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome.
This has sparked intense interest in Prevost's background, along with his religious and political leanings.
What To Know
A study of Pope Leo's family background was conducted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., host of PBS show Finding Your Roots, in collaboration with genealogists from American Ancestors and the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami.
Writing up his findings in the New York Times, Gates Jr. said the team was able to trace the pontiff's ancestors back to his 12th great-grandparents, who were born during the early 1500s.
Gates Jr. noted that once you go back to a person's 12th great-grandparents, they have 32,766 forebears, meaning it is not surprising some famous people have commented on their ancestors.
According to their research, Pope Leo is a ninth cousin, at various times removed, from a number of prominent figures, including former Secretary of State Clinton, Trudeau, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, and Justin Bieber.
Pope Leo XIV arrives to give an audience to the Roman clergy on June 12, 2025, at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV arrives to give an audience to the Roman clergy on June 12, 2025, at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/GETTY
Out of Pope Leo's relatives who were identified, the study found 40 were born in France, 24 in Italy, 21 in Spain, 22 in the United States, 10 in Cuba, six in Canada and one in each of Haiti and Guadeloupe. For another nine of his ancestors, a birthplace could not be conclusively established.
The study also concluded that 17 of Pope Leo's ancestors were Black, while 12 were slaveholders, owning between one and 20 people. Of the slave owners, Gates Jr. said eight were also Black.
According to Gates Jr., Pope Leo is also related to Boucher de Grandpre, who fought against the British during the Revolutionary War with the Louisiana militia, as well as Antonio José de Sucre, who opposed Spanish forces during the Battle of Ayacucho.
What People Are Saying
Gates Jr. wrote: "Perhaps the most salient feature of Robert Francis Prevost's family tree is that it is strikingly 'ecumenical,' an expression of the endlessly fascinating, multifarious geographical and ethnic threads that make up our grand national story, threads that combined to help shape the truly cosmopolitan worldview of the man we might think of as the first pan-American pope."
Following Pope Leo's election in May, President Trump wrote: "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment."
Former President Joe Biden, a Catholic, commented: "May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success."
What's Happens Next?
Investigations into Pope Leo's background will almost certainly continue, given his newfound providence.
