Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) Citizenships and Passports.

Following his papal election as the 267th Roman Pontiff on 8th May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American-born bishop from Chicago and longtime missionary in Latin America, became Pope Leo XIV.

His background is as global as the Catholic Church itself—spanning the United States, Peru, and the Vatican itself. Now as Sovereign of the Vatican City State, his citizenship and legal identity undergo a transformation since he is now the President of Vatican, a small micro city state in Rome, Italy.

Young Robert Prevost — Before he was Pope Leo XIV, he was simply Robert Prevost — a young Augustinian missionary who spent years serving quietly in Peru.

Who Is Robert Francis Prevost?

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Prevost is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.). He spent several decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru, eventually becoming Bishop of Chiclayo and a prominent voice in the Latin American Church.

His deep ties to Peru led him to naturalize as a Peruvian citizen in 2015, giving him a rare trifecta of citizenship: American by birth, Peruvian by naturalization, and Vatican citizen by virtue of his office.

Passports Held Before Becoming Pope.

United States Passport – As a natural-born American.
2. Peruvian Passport – As a naturalized citizen since 2015.
3. Vatican Passport – Issued to him in his role as a Curia official and cardinal.

Prevost as Cardinal — Robert as Cardinal before he became Pope Leo XIV

What Happens Now That He Is Pope?

Now that he is Pope, a series of events happens:

1. Becomes Head of State of the Vatican.

As Pope, he automatically becomes Sovereign of the Vatican City State—the world’s smallest country—exercising supreme legislative, executive, and judicial authority.

2. Retains Vatican Citizenship for Life.

Unlike most Vatican citizens (who lose that status upon retirement or reassignment), the Pope holds Vatican citizenship for life, as is the norm for previous popes who have held the citizenship.

3. Will Cease Using Other National Passports

While Pope Leo XIV still holds American and Peruvian citizenships, he will not use those passports for his anticipated travel abroad. The Pope does not travel as a citizen of another country, and instead operates under Vatican diplomatic protocols, which are covered under the Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The previous Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was an Argentine citizen who also received honorary Vatican citizenship as Pope, and he did not use any non-Vatican passports during his numerous papal visits abroad.

4. Sovereign Immunity

As a recognized head of state, Pope Leo XIV is immune from foreign legal systems and cannot be arrested, tried, or subpoenaed during his pontificate. This is because, he is now a head of state and enjoys all the diplomatic immunity that is extended to foreign heads of states and dignitaries.

5. Diplomatic Representation

The Pope is represented by the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, who are also known as Apostolic Nuncios. The Vatican maintains formal relations with over 180 countries, including Taiwan. Pope Leo XIV will in future travel on official papal state visits, not private ones going forward.

What Changes for His Other Citizenships?

There is no canonical or legal requirement that a Pope must renounce his other citizenships (e.g., American or Peruvian). However, in practice, he functions solely as the head of the Vatican and does not exercise civil rights or political duties in other countries.

If the future Pope were to retire (as Benedict XVI did), he might retain or resume practical use of his other citizenships—but that remains speculative so far.

Conclusion

Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, held American, Peruvian, and Vatican citizenships prior to his election as Pope. As Pope, he now becomes Sovereign of the Vatican, with full legal immunity and a permanent Vatican citizenship. He will not use his U.S. or Peruvian passports while serving as Pope. His international identity now rests entirely in his role as leader of the Roman Catholic Church and head of state of the Vatican.

About The Author

Steve Williams

Steve Williams is a freelance journalist covering politics, technology, and society with a focus on in-depth reporting and human-centered storytelling. Their work has appeared in regional and international outlets, bringing clarity to complex issues through investigative research and compelling narratives.

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