OPELOUSAS, la. (KLFY) -- The family of Pope Leo XIV, who has roots in Saint Landry Parish, will be celebrated at the Election and Archive Center in Opelousas on Oct. 25.

Larry Callier, Jr., St. Landry Parish Archivist said the event will highlight the Lemelle family's deep historical ties to the area, with lineage tracing back to 1792. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the family's history and contributions to the parish.

"We can actually trace the Pope's lineage all the way back to this area, going all the way back to 1792," Callier said.

Charles Jagneaux, St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, noted, "His folks were the Lemelles and the Baquies and they owned where the Steamboat Warehouse is in Washington."

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