New Pope Has Deep Louisiana Roots, Could He Be Cajun?

KNGT | Louisiana — Searching through the Interweb this morning I happen to come across a news story that I knew I had to talk about. Just a few days ago the new pope was elected and with much excitement, we finally have one that is from the United States, first time ever! BUT did you know the new Pope might be a Cajun?

Is the new Pope a Cajun?

According to WBRZ.com Pope Leo XIV's Cajun ties go back 100 plus years to Louisiana. A historian from New Orleans named Jari Honora found that Pope Leo XIV, who was once known as Robert Prevost before he was elected, has familial roots in the Big Easy, according to WBRZ.com. It was in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church on Annette Street in New Orleans that his grandparents, Joseph Martínez and Louise Baquie, were married in 1887.

Pope Leo's family used to reside in the Seventh Ward. Around 1910, the family finally packed up and relocated to Chicago. Reports have posted a variety of evidence, including marriage licenses and census records.

It proves. Jacques Martino was Joseph Martínez's grandfather. After he arrived from Italy and wed a woman from East Feliciana Parish in Louisiana, Martino changed his name to Martínez. Things change, much like when your cousin T-Boy began referring to himself as "Big Teezy."

The next pope's origins demonstrate that greatness can originate anywhere, even in the gumbo-scented streets of next Orleans, according to U.S. Representative Troy Carter, who joined in on the excitement.

I for one am very excited that the history has been traced back to the place I love to call home. The next time we bless a meal, we know there will have a special place for us Cajuns.