While Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, records show that his family lineage has deep roots in Louisiana.

In prior interviews, Pope Leo XIV said he was open to a vocation to the priesthood because neighborhood priests were always in and out of his childhood, as his mother often fed them. "Now we know why her cooking was so good— both her mother and father were from New Orleans.

Pope Leo XIV spent more than two decades in Peru as a missionary and priest, and he served as Bishop in Chiclayo, where there were widespread celebrations in the streets today. NBC News’ Stephanie Gosk reports.