America’s most European city, New Orleans, is celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, who has U.S. roots and Haitian and Creole ancestry linked to the city. Born in Chicago, records reveal his family has deep ties to Louisiana, including a baptism at St. Louis Cathedral and multiple marriages documented in New Orleans. Historians highlight the significance of a multi-cultural pope, emphasizing the long-standing presence of Black Catholics in the church and the potential connection to enslaved ancestors, while locals express pride in having a pope with Louisiana Creole heritage.