Pope Leo XIV is a notable fan of the Chicago White Sox, a penance for sins if ever there was one. He has Creole roots through family members from New Orleans. He plays pandemic sensation turned New York Times tentpole Wordle daily. Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. pointed out last week that he's related to many of America's most enduring exports.

Both Justin Bieber and Madonna are related to Pope Leo, who is also distant cousins with Angelina Jolie 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,