People shocked after learning Pope Leo is related to ‘iconic’ A-list celebrity

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, became the new Pope on May 8, following the death of Pope Francis. Known for his progressive views, Pope Leo has already made headlines by advocating for peace in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza, and speaking out against Donald Trump’s policies. His criticism includes retweeting a 2018 post condemning the Trump administration’s immigration practices. Recently, a surprising revelation about Pope Leo’s ancestry has captivated the internet: he’s distantly related to pop icon Madonna.

The connection was uncovered on PBS’s Finding Your Roots by Henry Louis Gates Jr., in collaboration with genealogists. Tracing his family back to the 1500s, they found that Pope Leo and Madonna share a maternal ancestor from the 1590s, making them ninth cousins several times removed. This unexpected tie sparked amusement online, with users joking about the mix of religious and pop royalty. Further exploration revealed he’s also connected to celebrities and politicians like Angelina Jolie, Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, and the Trudeaus, as well as historical figures from both noble and enslaved backgrounds. The more people learn about Pope Leo, the more fascinating his story becomes.