The first American pope has been a font of endless, odd connections to the New World that clang against the public perception of the ancient Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV is a notable fan of the Chicago White Sox,

The pope also shares roots with several politicians. Through one Canadian ancestor, he’s distant cousins with Pierre and Justin Trudeau and Hillary Clinton.

The phrase "Like a Prayer" has taken on a whole new significance for Madonna, as a recent discovery has revealed a surprising family connection to the Pope. In a collaborative article between The New York Times,