The election of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago—has sparked pride across Black America, as genealogical records confirm his Creole and Haitian roots trace back to New Orleans’ 7th Ward, making him the first pope with verifiable African-American ancestry.
Tag: Cardinal Peter Turkson
Posted inReligion
A Black pope? Francis made it a possibility
Pope Francis, who died at age 88, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for marginalized communities, including Black people, through actions like appointing the first African-American cardinal and condemning racism as a sin. His inclusive leadership reshaped the Catholic Church’s global power dynamics and opened the possibility for the election of the first Black pope.