The Dilemma of Dual Citizenship: Pope Leo XIV's Unique Position

Pope Leo XIV, a lifelong American citizen and head of Vatican City, raises questions about dual citizenship amidst international law complexities. While U.S. law permits dual citizenship and the Holy See allows Popes to retain additional nationalities, Pope Leo's case brings unique challenges to light.

Pope Leo XIV is a lifelong American citizen, making him unique among the leaders of the world's nations. As the Pope, he also serves as the head of Vatican City, a recognized sovereign entity. This dual identity prompts critical questions: Is it permissible for an American citizen to lead a foreign nation, and can a Pope hold onto foreign citizenship? The legal landscape indicates the answers are yes and yes, though examples of this scenario are rare.

In the United States, the law accommodates dual citizenship. The State Department has clarified that a foreign head of state who retains dual nationality, in most cases, does not automatically relinquish their American citizenship. Furthermore, the Vatican allows its Popes to keep their original citizenships. Notably, Pope Francis continued to hold his Argentine nationality, going so far as to renew his Argentine passport as recently as 2017. This practice has been consistent among his predecessors.

The State Department offers guidance to foreign leaders seeking to maintain their American citizenship, stating that such cases often generate "complex questions of international law." These inquiries can pertain to the leader's legal protections under U.S. law. Should a citizen wish to maintain their American nationality while serving a foreign role, they can inform the State Department of their intentions. Conversely, relinquishing citizenship requires formal steps through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

While American citizens serving as foreign heads of state is not commonplace, there have been instances. For example, Somalia's former president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, was born in Somalia, became a naturalized U.S. citizen, and later renounced his citizenship amid allegations of divided loyalties.

Vatican City operates under the Holy See, a sovereign government acknowledged by the United Nations. However, the Holy See opts for a permanent observer status rather than full membership to maintain neutrality in certain political matters. Pope Leo XIV also holds citizenship in Peru, a country which permits dual citizenship. However, it remains uncertain how Peruvian laws would address the issue of a citizen serving as a head of state for another nation.

The State Department has yet to comment on Pope Leo's unique status, and the Vatican has not disclosed his future intentions regarding his citizenship. As the world observes, the complexities of dual citizenship for the Pope continue to unfold.