The Pope’s Spanish Roots: From O Porriño to the Vatican
In light of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic visit to Spain, the Diocese of Tui-Vigo has unveiled a genealogical study confirming the Pontiff’s direct ties to Galicia. Research conducted by Fr. Avelino Bouzón Gallego, the canon archivist of Cathedral de Tui, reveals that the Pope’s maternal lineage traces back nine generations to the town of O Porriño.
Key Findings of the Study
The investigation was sparked by a biography titled Leo XIV: The Augustinian Pope, Pilgrim to God, which noted that the Pope’s ancestor, Benito Lorenzo de Bastos, was born in Porriño before marrying in Havana in 1677.
The Key Document: After scouring local archives, researchers found a baptismal certificate dated December 1, 1639, in the parish of San Salvador de Torneiros.
The Ancestor: The document identifies Benito de Bastos (the Pope’s sixth great-great-grandfather) as the son of Benito de Bastos and María Lorenzo.
The Migration: Historical records suggest Benito emigrated to Cuba around age 25 to join the burgeoning sugar industry, marking the start of the family’s journey across the Atlantic.
The Visit Itinerary
While the discovery has sparked excitement in the Louriña region, residents will have to wait a bit longer for a homecoming:
| Location | Status |
| Madrid, Canary Islands, Barcelona | Confirmed for the current visit. |
A Personal Connection
The Diocese highlights this study as a testament to the region’s rich documentary heritage. For the people of Torneiros, this isn't just a historical footnote—it’s a formal invitation for the "Successor of Peter" to eventually return to the baptismal font where his family’s story began.
Source: https://cadenaser.com/galicia/2026/01/12/de-torneiros-al-vaticano-el-rastro-de-los-ancestros-de-leon-xiv-que-podria-traerlo-a-galicia-radio-vigo/
Image John Prevost
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