EXPLANATORY NOTE ON THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF VATICAN CITY STATE

The new fundamental Law of Vatican City State responds to the need, declared in the preamble, to take into account new new governance requirements and a number of significant legislative changes that have taken place in recent years.

Significantly issued by Pope Leo XIV at the beginning of his pontificate, this Law confirms and integrates the aforementioned changes, which concern the legislative, executive and judicial functions alike.

In particular, with regard to the legislative function, the amendment already introduced by Pope Leo XIV by the Motu Proprio of 19 November 2025 concerning the presidency of the Pontifical Commission is incorporated.

With regard to the executive function, on the one hand, the role of the Governorate is confirmed; through its organizational structure, it contributes to the State’s mission and serves the Successor of Peter, to whom it is directly accountable; on the other hand, the duties of the President and the Secretary-General, and the nature of their collaborative relationship, are clarified.

With regard to the judicial function, it is expressly confirmed that the legal framework governing the judicial bodies is established by the Law on the Judicial System. This law, thanks to important reforms in recent years, fully guarantees the administration of justice.

With this rigorous approach, the new Fundamental Law – which, like its predecessors, is designed to define the constitutional framework of the Vatican City State, its powers and the exercise of the functions arising therefrom – remains the foundation and point of reference for all other legislation of the State, confirming the unique character and autonomy of the Vatican legal system.