Pope Leo XIV May Be My Cousin

Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Prevost. His mother was born Mildred Agnes (née Martínez) Prevost and his father was born Louis Marius Prevost. His paternal grandfather was John Prevost. However, "John Prevost" was an adopted name. John was orginally born Salvatore Giovanni Gaetano Riggitano in Messina, Sicily, Italy. His parents were Santo Riggitano and Maria Alioto (b. 1834).

My mother's maiden name was Elliott. Her father's last name was Elliott. His father's name was...Santo Alioto. Family records show that the family changed the name from "Alioto" to "Elliott" after Santo died young, presumably to assimilate easier into American life, as both Santo and his wife were immigrants (but married here). Santo was born in Messina, Sicily in 1868, emmigrated to the US in 1885 and married in 1890. Santo's father was a man named Giovanni Alioto.

So there is a possibility that one of my maternal great grandfathers and Pope Leo XIV's paternal grandmother were related.

I think it's just a coincidence that his paternal grandfather and one of my great grandfather were both named "Santo". But, you never know.

This, and a few bucks, will buy a coffee and a sweet roll.