Pope Leo XIV has signed a new Fundamental Law for Vatican City State, introducing an updated constitutional framework that reflects recent governance reforms and legislative changes within the world’s smallest sovereign state.
According to Vatican News, the new law was signed on July 31, the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and took effect immediately, replacing the Fundamental Law that had been in force since May 13, 2023.
In the law’s preamble, Pope Leo explains that the revision was necessary “to take account of new requirements of governance and of several important legislative changes introduced in recent years.”
The updated legislation consolidates reforms made earlier in Pope Leo’s pontificate, particularly those affecting the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of Vatican City State.
One of the most significant changes formally incorporated into the new law concerns the leadership of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo’s November 2025 motu proprio removed the previous requirement that only cardinals could serve as president of the commission.
That position is currently held by Sister Raffaella Petrini, who also serves as President of the Governorate of Vatican City State. The new Article 8 now provides that, “The Pontifical Commission is composed of Cardinals and other Members, including the President, appointed by the Supreme Pontiff for a five-year term,” according to Vatican News.
The new Fundamental Law also clarifies the executive responsibilities of the Governorate, reaffirming its mission to support the Holy Father in governing Vatican City State.
According to Vatican News, the legislation confirms that the Governorate “contributes to the proper mission of the State and serves the Successor of Peter, to whom it is directly accountable.” It also provides greater clarity regarding the respective responsibilities of the President and Secretary General while emphasizing their collaborative relationship. The law further notes that the office of Secretary General may be entrusted to more than one person.
The revised law also reaffirms the legal framework governing Vatican City’s judicial system. Vatican News reports that Article 22 explicitly confirms the law governing the judicial bodies and highlights that reforms introduced in recent years “fully guarantees the proper administration of justice.”
Beyond administrative reforms, the new Fundamental Law serves as the constitutional foundation for Vatican City State. According to Vatican News, the document is intended “to give constitutional identity to Vatican City State,” while remaining “the foundation and point of reference for all other legislation of the State,” reaffirming the unique character and autonomy of the Vatican legal order.
The preamble concludes by reaffirming the mission of those who serve within Vatican City State, entrusting its governing bodies and officials with carrying out their responsibilities in service to the Successor of Peter and within the legal framework established by the Lateran Treaty, according to Vatican News.
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