I’ve read that and my impression was that at the time they were given instructions to move them on and he actually did more then most in keeping those priests away from children absence any guidance from the Vatican.
Seriously, that is an interesting question. Unclear as it has never come up before that I can recall. How many Americans have ever been heads of state of any other countries? If any, did they renounce their citizenships?
Given Cardinal Prevost’s international experience, knowledge of the United States and work inside the Vatican hierarchy, said Marco Politi, a veteran Vatican analyst in Rome, “if he were not American, this would make him automatically a papabile, certainly.”
And this:
The cardinal understands that the center of the Roman Catholic Church “is not in the United States or the North Atlantic,” said Raúl E. Zegarra, assistant professor of Catholic theological studies at Harvard Divinity School.
And also this:
In a 2012 address to bishops, he lamented that Western news media and popular culture fostered “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel.” He cited the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”
Ok, first what US office does Robert Prevost hold?
Second, it applies only when holding office. So Prince Harry could hold any office he is eligible for since he received his title before that.
Third, Congress can approve the receiving of a title for someone holding an office.
Fourth, they don’t lose their citizenship. I assume they can be removed from office if they accept.
Here is the real law.
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.
As you can see, it was made to prevent a foreign governments from bribing our officials with titles or with burbles & baubles
Consider me chastened for thinking it would be humorous if a half remembered obscure bit of legal lore that never comes up would actually come up, in some tangential way. I will never attempt to joke about the incredibly serious matter that is The Law ever again, and will flagellate my back forty times with a lash to atone for my sin.