As Pope Leo XIV assumes leadership of Vatican City, questions have arisen about whether the American-born pontiff can retain his U.S. citizenship while heading a foreign sovereign nation.

According to U.S. law and Vatican precedent, the answer is yes, the New York Times reported.

Pope Leo, a lifelong American citizen and a citizen of Peru, now serves as the head of state of Vatican City, an internationally recognized sovereign nation governed by the Holy See. The dual role has sparked debate over whether an American citizen can simultaneously lead a foreign nation — and whether doing so affects his U.S. citizenship status.

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