Updates Residential Details in Peru: Pope Leo XIV Provides New Vatican Address to Peruvian Authorities
Lima, Peru - Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and head of Vatican City, updated his Peruvian national identification details on Friday, providing his Vatican address and a new photograph, as part of Peru's efforts to track its citizens globally.
The pope, who was born in the United States and received Peruvian citizenship a decade ago, visited the Peruvian National Registry of Identification and Civil Status in the Vatican, where four officials collected his fingerprints and signature.
According to the registry's statement, the pope indicated his intention to collect his updated identity document during a future trip to Peru, although no travel plans have been announced. Migliguel Stigler, a public information officer with the registry, confirmed the update to the Associated Press.
Leo was granted Peruvian citizenship in August 2015, making him eligible to vote in elections up until his 69th birthday, before which voting is mandatory for adult Peruvians, including naturalized citizens. However, due to his upcoming 70th birthday in September, the forthcoming presidential election in April will not require his vote since he will be ineligible.
Concerning his U.S. citizenship, given his role as a foreign head of state, Pope Leo XIV may maintain his American nationality due to specific legal conditions. These conditions include the requirement for intentional renunciation of U.S. citizenship for it to be lost, as well as the permissibility of dual citizenship with Peru, which he currently holds. His continued service as the head of Vatican City and the Holy See will likely be reviewed by the U.S. State Department, but it does not automatically result in the loss of U.S. citizenship.
In light of his Peruvian citizenship, Pope Leo XIV may have the opportunity to participate in future elections in California, given voting rights for adults, including naturalized citizens. The revised policy-and-legislation in California could potentially impact the political landscape, particularly in Los Angeles, the city where he spent his early years. The pope's continued status as a U.S. citizen due to specific legal conditions may also generate general news, given his dual citizenship and role as the head of Vatican City.
