Madonna has had a complicated history with the Catholic Church, marked by public confrontations over her use of religious symbolism in her music and performances. However, in a surprising twist, it has been revealed that the Queen of Pop and the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV are distant relatives.
A Rocky Relationship with the Catholic Church
Since the early days of her career in 1982, Madonna has had a contentious relationship with the Catholic Church. Raised Catholic, she later clashed with the institution over her provocative use of religious imagery in her music videos and live performances. From wearing crucifix jewelry in provocative outfits to kissing a saint in the video for her song “Like a Prayer,” Madonna’s artistic choices were often controversial. Her performances, including one in which she was strapped to a crucifix during her Confessions Tour, drew harsh criticism from the Church.
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In the early 1990s, during her Blonde Ambition tour, Pope John Paul II famously condemned the performance as “one of the most satanic shows in the history of humanity.” The criticism continued with her Confessions tour in 2006, which was labeled a “blasphemous challenge to the faith” by Cardinal Ersilio Tonini.
A New Connection: Madonna and Pope Leo XIV Are Related
In a fascinating turn of events, Madonna and Pope Leo XIV, who was appointed on May 8, 2025, are linked through shared ancestry. According to research by The New York Times in collaboration with American Ancestors and the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami, the two share a Canadian ancestor, Louis Boucher de Grandpre, born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
This revelation not only connects Madonna to the Pope but also ties her to several other prominent figures, including actress Angelina Jolie, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, and even former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Madonna’s Lighthearted Reaction
To mark the occasion, Madonna shared a post on social media, featuring a photo of herself with her father, Silvio Ciccone. In the caption, she humorously referenced her song Vogue, saying, “Silvio! We’re related to the Pope! Strike a pose!”
Mending Ties with the Church
Interestingly, Madonna has previously expressed a desire to reconcile with the Catholic Church. Three years ago, she reached out to Pope Francis via social media, humorously referencing her excommunications. In a tweet (which later transitioned to X), she wrote, “I’m a good Catholic. I swear! I mean, I don’t swear! It’s been a few decades since my last confession. Would it be possible to meet up one day to discuss some important matters? I’ve been excommunicated three times. It doesn’t seem fair. Sincerely, Madonna.”
What Do You Think?
Now that a link between Madonna and Pope Leo XIV has been uncovered, what are your thoughts on this unexpected connection? Is it a twist of fate or just another fascinating part of Madonna’s storied life? Let us know in the comments below and share this revelation with others who may not have heard about it.
