Pope's Chicago Family Secret Revealed in Cook County Archives

Pope Leo XIV's Chicago Roots: Archival Records Reveal Family History Cook County, Illinois – A recent discovery in the Cook County Clerk's office has unearthed a fascinating connection between Pope Leo XIV and the city of Chicago. Archival records reveal that the Pope's paternal grandfather, Salvatore Giovanni Rigitano, immigrated to the United States from Milazzo, Italy, in 1905, eventually making his way to Chicago. The records, including Rigitano's declaration of intent to become a US citizen, offer a glimpse into the family's journey and their early life in the city. "We were able to connect him to his paternal grandfather whose name was Salvatore Giovanni Rigitano," explained Mariyana Spyropoulos, Cook County Clerk of Courts. The documents, which are available for public viewing during regular business hours at the Clerk's office, provide details about Rigitano's arrival in the US via Ellis Island, New York. The video also notes that Pope Leo XIV is reportedly fluent in five languages, a detail that adds an interesting family connection. This discovery highlights the rich history preserved within the Cook County archives and the unexpected connections that can be found within seemingly ordinary documents.