People sh0cked after learning Pope Leo is related to ‘iconic’ A-list celebrity

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV on May 8, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away at 88. In his first public address, Leo called for global peace, including in Ukraine, Gaza, and between India and Pakistan.

Known for his progressive stances, Pope Leo has also criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, including reposting a viral thread in 2018 condemning the separation of migrant families.

But now, another headline is making waves: he’s related to Madonna.

Thanks to Finding Your Roots host Henry Louis Gates Jr., genealogists traced Pope Leo’s lineage back to the 1500s. The shocking discovery? He and Madonna are ninth cousins (various times removed) through a shared ancestor from the 1590s.

Social media exploded:

“Royalty meets pop royalty!”

“Papa don’t preach, but her cousin does.”

“Wait—how distant is too distant?”

And Madonna’s not the only connection. Pope Leo is also distantly related to Justin Bieber, Angelina Jolie, Hillary Clinton, Jack Kerouac, and even Pierre and Justin Trudeau.

His ancestry includes a wide spectrum of historical figures—noblemen, enslaved people, freedom fighters, and more—making him one of the most globally connected popes in history.

Related Posts

Trump shows off ‘wrinkled hands’ amid latest health fear

Donald Trump became the oldest person in US history to be inaugurated as president earlier this year. The former real estate mogul turned 79 just a couple…

He was ”molested” as a teen and ”blackmailed” into losing his virginity aged 15

He was ”knocked unconscious” and sexually assaulted by a man in the back of a van as a teenager. Then, he was ”blackmailed” into losing his virginity…

End of life nurse reveals one move people make when close to death

Working in end-of-life care can be filled with moments of profound sadness, but also ones of quiet wonder. One hospice nurse has shared an experience she’s witnessed…

Missouri’s first male homecoming queen speaks out after backlash

The first man ever to win the title of homecoming queen in the state of Missouri has spoke out on some of the criticism he faced. Four…

10 warning signs your kidneys are failing

Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and keeping your body healthy. However, kidney disease often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in…

Death row inmate suffered “excruciating” death after last meal “mistake”

A death row inmate suffered an agonizing execution in 2020, hours after making a “mistake” relating to his last meal request. Wesley Ira Purkey, 68, was put…