Confirmation of Haitian Roots
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, has confirmed Haitian ancestry through his maternal grandfather, Joseph Martinez. According to U.S. census records and family confirmation, Martinez listed “Hayti” (Haiti) as his birthplace. He married Louise Baquié in New Orleans in 1887 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the city’s historic 7th Ward, a center of Afro-Creole culture.
Creole Lineage and Migration
The pope’s family descends from the Creole people of color in New Orleans, specifically the gens de couleur libres-free people of color who were often French-speaking, well-educated, and established in business and the arts. Genealogist Jari Honora traced the family’s roots in New Orleans back to at least the 1840s, noting their presence in the city’s vibrant Creole community.
Between 1910 and 1912, the Martinez family migrated from New Orleans to Chicago, following a broader pattern among Creole families seeking better economic opportunities and escaping the increasing racial restrictions in the South. This migration contributed to the shaping of Black Chicago, where the pope’s mother, Mildred Martinez, was born in 1912.
Racial Identity and Passing
Historical records show that Joseph Martinez and his family were identified as “Black or mulatto” in New Orleans. However, after relocating to Chicago, the family adopted a white racial identity-a phenomenon not uncommon among Creole families moving north, where racial categories could be more fluid.
Significance for Creole and Black History
The revelation of Pope Leo XIV’s Creole and Haitian ancestry has resonated deeply within Louisiana’s Creole community. Local historians and genealogists highlight this as an important moment for recognition of Creole history, which has often been marginalized or hidden due to the complexities of racial identity in the United States.
Lolita Villavasso Cherrie, co-founder of The Creole Genealogical and Historical Association, emphasized that many Creoles were able to “pass” as white, leading to a loss of connection with their heritage for later generations. The pope’s story is seen as a powerful affirmation of the resilience and complexity of Creole identity.
Broader Historical Context
Creoles of color in Louisiana historically occupied a unique social position, often forming their own communities and institutions. They contributed significantly to the city’s culture, business, and the Catholic Church. The migration of Creole families to cities like Chicago was part of a larger movement of Black and Creole Southerners seeking opportunity and greater social mobility in the early 20th century.
Summary Table: Key Ancestral Details
| Ancestor | Origin/Birthplace | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Martinez | Haiti (“Hayti”) | Migrated to New Orleans; listed as Black/mulatto |
| Louise Baquié | New Orleans, LA | Married Joseph Martinez in 1887 |
| Mildred Martinez (mother) | Chicago, IL | Born after family migrated from New Orleans |
| Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) | Chicago, IL | Born 1955, first American pope, confirmed Creole roots |
Conclusion
Pope Leo XIV’s confirmed Haitian and Creole ancestry through his maternal grandfather connects him to New Orleans’ historic community of free people of color. This lineage, now publicly acknowledged, highlights the complex and often hidden histories of race, migration, and identity in America, and marks a significant moment of recognition for Louisiana’s Creole heritage.
