When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, history was made, but for some in New Orleans’ 7th Ward, it felt like a family affair. 

You see, the first American pope is not just an international figure with a humble smile; he’s a descendant of New Orleans’ legendary Creole of color community. In the world’s most iconic religious city, he carries the spirit of a neighborhood where history, culture, and courage have always collided.

It was New Orleans native and genealogist Jari Honora who connected the dots. Skeptical but curious, he traced Pope Leo XIV’s family lineage, expecting to find something French or Acadian, maybe a distant Canadian connection. Instead, he uncovered a rich Creole heritage that dates back to the 7th Ward, a place famous for its blend of African, French, Spanish, and Native American ancestry. 

Honora tracked down a marriage license for the pope’s maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié, who were wed at Our Lady of Sacred Heart on Annette Street in 1887. Joseph Martinez claimed Haiti as his birthplace—a detail that speaks to the ever-flowing connection between New Orleans and the Caribbean.

But Pope Leo XIV isn’t just a bridge between cultures; he’s a bridge between courage and conviction. Unlike many leaders who treat diplomacy as a game of empty platitudes, Pope Leo XIV is not afraid to speak his mind—especially when it comes to matters of social justice and human dignity. As Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, he did more than preach about faith. He used his social media platform to call out injustice, including the Trump administration’s treatment of migrants and the dangerous rhetoric of certain politicians. Just this past February, he directly challenged Vice President JD Vance, responding to Vance’s nationalist rhetoric by reminding him, through a headline he reposted, that “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”

For anyone thinking this was just a polite papal slap on the wrist, think again. This is the same man who, in 2017, retweeted a statement condemning hate after the deadly white supremacist protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. It’s the same man who shared a pro-DACA tweet from Sister Helen Prejean and echoed calls for action on gun control. In an era when too many religious leaders stay silent in the face of oppression, Pope Leo XIV has chosen the path of righteous confrontation—one tweet at a time.

Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Some American Catholics who prefer their popes to be more “holy and silent” are still reeling from his fearless activism. The idea that a man who grew up in Chicago, with a mother who kept priests fed and inspired him to join the clergy, is now the spiritual leader for over a billion Catholics worldwide is too much for them to bear. But for others—especially those who know the story of New Orleans’ 7th Ward—it all makes sense. It makes sense that a child of Creole lineage, a descendant of those who blended resilience with faith, would rise to become a voice for the oppressed.

Pope Leo XIV’s choice of the papal name “Leo” is itself a nod to a legacy of courageous leadership. Pope Leo XIII, his namesake, was known for his groundbreaking encyclicals advocating for workers’ rights and social justice. By choosing this name, Pope Leo XIV is signaling that his papacy will not be one of silent prayers and cautious diplomacy. He is here to speak truth to power, whether that power is a world leader or a wayward vice president.

For those hoping to see a pope who avoids controversy, I have bad news—Pope Leo XIV is not that guy. But for those who long for a leader unafraid to wield his platform for good, you may just have found your spiritual champion. From the bustling streets of New Orleans’ 7th Ward to the marbled halls of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, family, and fearless truth-telling. And as he continues to tweet his way through the papacy, you might want to keep your notifications on. This pope has something to say.

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