Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has not only made history within the Catholic Church, but also captured the imagination of the public with his fascinating and diverse ancestry. Recently, genealogists uncovered intriguing stories about his family history, shedding light on the complex events that ultimately shaped his lineage. From a sensational love triangle in early 20th-century Chicago to connections with Creole heritage, Pope Leo XIV’s ancestry is a testament to the resilient and diverse paths that led him to the Vatican.
This blog explores his ancestry, following the fascinating events surrounding his paternal grandparents, the cultural context of his upbringing, and the deeper connections shared with Americans today.
Table of Contents
The Chicago Affair
At the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s ancestry lies a deeply captivating story that begins in Chicago in the early 1900s. Records uncovered by genealogists highlight the “illicit affair” between his paternal grandparents, Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano and Suzanne Fontaine, which made headlines in sensationalist newspapers of the time.
The Love Triangle
Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano, an immigrant teacher from Sicily, had arrived in the United States around the turn of the century. Born in 1876, he was known for his sharp intellect and passion for education. By 1914, he was married to Daisy Hughes in Chicago. However, events took a dramatic turn by 1917 when newspapers reported an alleged love affair between Riggitano and Suzanne Fontaine, a French immigrant.
Their alleged involvement was sensationalized in headlines like “Riggitano in Triangle,” with Riggitano’s wife, Daisy Hughes, accusing him and Fontaine of unbecoming conduct. Both Riggitano and Fontaine denied the allegations, attributing the scandal to baseless jealousy. While the details remain murky, records reveal that Riggitano and Hughes lived apart at the time.
Suzanne Fontaine later moved to Canada, eventually settling in Detroit. By July 1917, she gave birth to John Centi Prevost, who would become Pope Leo XIV’s uncle.
The Adoption of the Prevost Name
After the scandal, Riggitano and Fontaine adopted the surname Prevost, distancing themselves from the controversy and starting anew as a family. They would return to Chicago, where they welcomed their son Louis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV’s father, in 1920.
Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano: The Intellect and Immigrant Teacher
Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano’s life paints a picture of resilience and intellect. Born in Sicily, Riggitano emigrated to the United States, where he dedicated himself to teaching languages and music. Described as highly educated, he taught at a high school in Quincy, Illinois, and later worked with Chicago’s “Lovers of Italy,” a club for studying Italian culture, language, and history.
Despite personal controversies, Riggitano’s commitment to education and community engagement defined his career. He embodied the immigrant experience of striving to build a new life while contributing to the cultural fabric of his adopted country.
Suzanne Fontaine The Faithful and Devoted
Suzanne Fontaine’s life was equally compelling. Born in France, she moved to North America, where she navigated the challenges of life as a single mother before settling with Riggitano in Chicago. Despite the challenges and public scrutiny, she built a life centered on faith and family, becoming a devoted member of the Third Order of Carmelites.
Fontaine passed away in Detroit in 1979 at the age of 83, leaving a legacy defined by strength, resilience, and a deep connection to her faith.
Creole Heritage and Maternal Connections
While the story of Pope Leo XIV’s paternal grandparents is rife with drama and reinvention, his maternal ancestry offers another fascinating layer to his identity. Genealogists discovered Pope Leo XIV’s connections to Creole people of color in New Orleans, adding a rich cultural dimension to his lineage.
This revelation resonated deeply with the people of New Orleans, strengthening the connection they felt to the first American pope. The diversity and complexity of his ancestry reflect the American experience, uniting cultures and histories into a singular story of faith and perseverance.
A Legacy Rooted in Humanity
Pope Leo XIV’s family history is not just a tale of turbulent love stories and cultural connections, but also a narrative that underscores what makes him a relatable and inspiring figure. His ancestry reflects the challenges and triumphs faced by many immigrant families in the United States.
From his grandparents’ quest for a new start in a foreign land to the enduring faith that has guided his lineage, Pope Leo XIV’s story mirrors the resilience of countless individuals who have faced hardship and reinvention.
For many Americans, his diverse background and humble family origins make his ascent to the papacy a source of inspiration and pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Pope Leo XIV’s paternal grandparents?
His paternal grandparents were Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano, an immigrant teacher from Sicily, and Suzanne Fontaine, a French immigrant known for her faith and dedication to family.
What was the “illicit affair” involving his grandparents?
The affair centered around allegations of an improper relationship between Riggitano (who was married at the time) and Fontaine. The story made headlines in newspapers during the 1910s as an alleged love triangle, with Riggitano’s wife accusing the pair of unbecoming conduct.
What is the significance of the Prevost surname?
After the scandal, Riggitano and Fontaine adopted the surname Prevost to start fresh. This name persists in the lineage that leads directly to Pope Leo XIV.
What is Pope Leo XIV’s maternal ancestry?
On his maternal side, Pope Leo XIV has connections to Creole people of color from New Orleans, adding to the diverse cultural backdrop of his ancestry.
Why is Pope Leo XIV’s ancestry significant?
His ancestry highlights themes of resilience, diversity, and reinvention, resonating with the immigrant experience and broader themes of family and faith.
The Complexity of Heritage
The ancestry of Pope Leo XIV is a story of love, controversy, reinvention, and faith. It is a tapestry woven with diverse threads, each adding depth and color to the life of a man who would become a global spiritual leader.
As genealogists continue to uncover the layers of his lineage, we are reminded that even the most revered figures come from complex, very human stories. Pope Leo XIV’s ancestry mirrors the rich diversity and shared struggles that unite humanity.