Pope Signs New Fundamental Law of Vatican City State
- Pope Leo XIV signed a new Fundamental Law for Vatican City State on July 31, 2023, updating governance and legislative functions and replacing the previous law from May 2023.
- The new law removes the restriction that only cardinals can serve as president of the Pontifical Commission, allowing Sister Raffaella Petrini to hold the office.
- The law clarifies executive and judicial functions, reaffirming the Governorate's role and the legal framework for Vatican judicial bodies while affirming Vatican City's constitutional identity and autonomy.
12 Articles
12 Articles
On Friday, Pope Leon XIV promulgated a new constitution for the Vatican, the smallest state in the world, replacing the one adopted by his predecessor, Francis, in 2023.
New rules for the smallest state in the world: Leo XIV presents a new basic law for the Vatican. The president is strengthened.
Pope Leo XIV has passed a new Basic Law for the Vatican State. It regulates the rights and responsibilities of the institutions in the smallest state in the world. The new "Basic Law for the Vatican City State" was published on Friday by the Vatican Press Office. The text includes 25 articles. In particular, the functions and powers of the President of the Government are revised and clarified. This office is currently held by the Italian nun Raf…
Pope Leo XIV promulgated today, 31 July, the new Basic Law of the Vatican City State. As clearly indicated in the premise, this legislation aims to respond to the pressing need to adapt the Vatican order to the new requirements of government and to integrate some significant regulatory changes that have occurred in recent years. The new Fundamental Law enters into force with immediate effect, replacing in full the previous legislation, promulgat…
Pope signs new Fundamental Law of Vatican City State
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…
Pope Confirms Second Chinese Bishop in a Week Under Vatican-Beijing Agreement
China's Bishops Francis Xavier Duan Yongkun and Joseph Chang Yanfeng were ordained in July, 2026. Credit: patrice6000/Shutterstock The ordination of Bishop Francis Xavier Duan Yongkun as coadjutor bishop of Bameng is the latest episcopal appointment carried out under the provisional agreement between the Holy See and China.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
