May 9, 2025, 1:54 p.m. ET
Pope Leo XIV’s situation is igniting discussions about dual citizenship, especially as he is a lifelong American citizen and the head of Vatican City, a recognized sovereign state. The question arises: Can an American citizen lead a foreign nation? The answer is yes, though it comes with complexities rarely navigated.
United States law does allow dual citizenship, according to the State Department. A dual citizen who assumes a role as a foreign head of state can generally retain American citizenship, provided they express that wish. However, this can lead to intricate legal considerations concerning their legal immunity in the U.S. While Pope Francis maintained his Argentine citizenship and even renewed his passport in 2017, Pope Leo’s position presents a unique instance that may not be as frequently addressed.
The State Department notes that prospective dual citizens in heads of state roles undergo a review process, which might involve intricate international law considerations. If a foreign leader desires to maintain American nationality, they can simply inform the State Department. Conversely, those wishing to relinquish it must notify an official U.S. entity and complete specific protocols.
Historically, a few American citizens have assumed leadership in foreign nations. For example, Somali former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was a naturalized U.S. citizen before his election in 2017, later renouncing his American citizenship amid allegations of divided loyalties.
Vatican City operates under the Holy See as a sovereign entity. Although recognized by the United Nations, the Vatican opts for permanent observer status to uphold a stance of political neutrality in conflict areas. Notably, Pope Leo also holds Peruvian citizenship, which accommodates dual citizenship, although the implications of this status for his leadership remain ambiguous.
As the world observes, all eyes are on Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican for further clarification about his citizenship and the governmental responsibilities he carries simultaneously in both countries. The State Department has yet to comment on this evolving situation, nor has the Vatican outlined his future intentions.
For continuous updates surrounding this topic and more about complexities in international law, stay connected with PulseWire.
Pope Leo XIV’s situation is igniting discussions about dual citizenship, especially as he is a lifelong American citizen and the head of Vatican City, a recognized sovereign state. The question arises: Can an American citizen lead a foreign nation? The answer is yes, though it comes with complexities rarely navigated.
United States law does allow dual citizenship, according to the State Department. A dual citizen who assumes a role as a foreign head of state can generally retain American citizenship, provided they express that wish. However, this can lead to intricate legal considerations concerning their legal immunity in the U.S. While Pope Francis maintained his Argentine citizenship and even renewed his passport in 2017, Pope Leo’s position presents a unique instance that may not be as frequently addressed.
The State Department notes that prospective dual citizens in heads of state roles undergo a review process, which might involve intricate international law considerations. If a foreign leader desires to maintain American nationality, they can simply inform the State Department. Conversely, those wishing to relinquish it must notify an official U.S. entity and complete specific protocols.
Historically, a few American citizens have assumed leadership in foreign nations. For example, Somali former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was a naturalized U.S. citizen before his election in 2017, later renouncing his American citizenship amid allegations of divided loyalties.
Vatican City operates under the Holy See as a sovereign entity. Although recognized by the United Nations, the Vatican opts for permanent observer status to uphold a stance of political neutrality in conflict areas. Notably, Pope Leo also holds Peruvian citizenship, which accommodates dual citizenship, although the implications of this status for his leadership remain ambiguous.
As the world observes, all eyes are on Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican for further clarification about his citizenship and the governmental responsibilities he carries simultaneously in both countries. The State Department has yet to comment on this evolving situation, nor has the Vatican outlined his future intentions.
For continuous updates surrounding this topic and more about complexities in international law, stay connected with PulseWire.
