Pope Leo XIV's surprising connection to Justin Bieber and Madonna revealed in new report on family ties

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, has an unexpected connection to pop music legends Madonna and Justin Bieber. According to a report by The New York Times, the Pope shares a distant ancestor with these two stars, linking him to the world of pop culture.

This family connection traces back to Louis Boucher de Grandpré, a Canadian-born ancestor from Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

The Pope’s shared lineage ties him not only to Madonna and Bieber but also to other notable figures, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, actress Angelina Jolie, and writer Jack Kerouac.

The discovery came as part of a broader family tree research on Pope Leo XIV, who was elected following the death of Pope Francis in May 2025.

Madonna’s link to the Pope adds a layer of irony, as the Vatican has previously criticised her, especially after the release of her controversial “Like a Prayer” music video in 1989. The video, which featured provocative imagery, sparked significant backlash from the Church. 

In contrast, Justin Bieber has long been open about his faith, frequently referencing his religious beliefs in public. The "Peaches" singer is a member of the Christian church Churchome and often shares his spiritual thoughts with his followers on social media.