Leo XIV promulgates a new Fundamental Law replacing the 2023 text in order to address the need “to take account of new requirements of governance and of several important legislative changes introduced in recent years.” The new law incorporates into a single legislative text the amendment already introduced by the Motu Proprio of November 2025, under which the presidency of the Pontifical Commission is no longer reserved exclusively to cardinals.
By Alessandro Di Bussolo
On Thursday, 31 July, the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Pope Leo XIV signed the new Fundamental Law of Vatican City State, which, as explained in its preamble, responds to the need “to take account of new requirements of governance and of several important legislative changes introduced in recent years.” The law enters into force immediately, replacing the previous Fundamental Law, which had been in effect since 13 May 2023.
New provision regarding the presidency of the Pontifical Commission
Promulgated by Pope Leo XIV at the beginning of his pontificate, the new Fundamental Law confirms and incorporates these amendments, which concern the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of the State. With regard in particular to the legislative function, it brings together in a single legislative text the amendment introduced by the Motu Proprio of 19 November 2025 concerning the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, the body that exercises both the legislative and executive functions.
The 2025 Motu Proprio and the new Fundamental Law
On that occasion, the Pope repealed Article 8, paragraph 1, of the previous Fundamental Law of Vatican City State, which had provided that only cardinals could serve as President of the Pontifical Commission. That office is now held by Sister Raffaella Petrini, who also serves as President of the Governorate. Article 8 of the new Fundamental Law now states that: “The Pontifical Commission is composed of Cardinals and other Members, including the President, appointed by the Supreme Pontiff for a five-year term.”
Executive and judicial functions
Concerning the executive function, the new law confirms the role of the Governorate, whose organisational structure contributes to the proper mission of the State and serves the Successor of Peter, to whom it is directly accountable. At the same time, it further clarifies the responsibilities of the President and the Secretary General, as well as their collaborative relationship. It also underscores the institutional nature of the office of the Secretary General, thereby indicating that the role may be entrusted to more than one person.
As regards the judicial function, Article 22, paragraph 1, expressly reaffirms that the Law establishes the legal framework governing the judicial bodies on the Judicial System. Thanks to the significant reforms introduced in recent years, that law fully guarantees the proper administration of justice.
A law that gives the State its “constitutional identity”
With this carefully structured approach, the new Fundamental Law—which, like its predecessors, is intended, as stated in the preamble, “to give constitutional identity to Vatican City State,” its powers, and the exercise of the functions deriving from them—remains the foundation and point of reference for all other legislation of the State, while reaffirming the unique character and autonomy of the Vatican legal order.
The mission of the Governorate
The preamble also reiterates “the role of the Governorate, which contributes to the proper mission of the State and is at the service of the Successor of Peter, to whom it is directly accountable.”
As in the past, the preamble concludes, “the governing bodies and all those who, in positions of responsibility and animated by a true ecclesial spirit, carry out their stable service for the State, are entrusted with the exercise of all the powers pertaining to the territory defined by the Lateran Treaty and to the buildings and areas where institutions of the State or of the Holy See operate and where, by virtue of international law, personal and functional guarantees and immunities are in force.”
