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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has a family history reflecting the US's complex immigration and racial past. His paternal grandfather immigrated from Sicily to the US in 1903. His maternal grandparents, originally identifying as Black, later changed their racial identity to white during a time of racial oppression in the US. In his first address, Leo emphasized the dignity of migrants, seemingly contrasting with the Trump administration's stricter immigration policies. His family's journey mirrors the immigrant experience and the evolving racial dynamics in America, adding a poignant layer to his papacy.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.