While Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, records show that his family lineage has deep roots in Louisiana.

Prevost is from Chicago and is taking the name Pope Leo XIV. According to historians at the Historic New Orleans Collection, the new pope has deep familial ties to New Orleans and the Seventh Ward. Historian Jari Honora said he started searching for French or Cajun connections after hearing the new pope’s last name, “Prevost.”