Can Pope Leo XIV Keep U.S. Citizenship?
The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, as the first U.S.-born pontiff in the Catholic Church’s history, has raised intriguing questions about the intersection of U.S. citizenship and international law. Born in Chicago, Prevost holds dual citizenship with the United States and Peru, the latter acquired through his extensive missionary work in Peru. (apnews.com)
The U.S. State Department acknowledges that for an American to retain citizenship while serving as a foreign head of state can “raise complex questions of international law.” (travel.state.gov) This complexity stems from the principle of diplomatic immunity, which grants foreign heads of state absolute immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. law. Such immunity is designed to facilitate international relations by allowing diplomats to perform their duties without interference. (en.wikipedia.org)
The U.S. Department of State has expressed reservations about the compatibility of holding a foreign head of state position with maintaining U.S. citizenship. This concern arises from the absolute immunity that individuals in such positions are entitled to under customary international law. (fam.state.gov)
In the case of Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican has not publicly addressed the status of his U.S. citizenship. Given the complexities involved, it remains to be seen how this unique situation will be navigated within the frameworks of both U.S. and international law.