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Holy See (Vatican City)

Vatican City State

Canon law and civil lawEcclesiastical elective absolute monarchyReviewed· 2026-08-02
Capital
Vatican City
Population
800
Languages
Italian, Latin
Currency
EUR

Holy See (Vatican City) · Constitution

Fundamental Law of Vatican City State

The Fundamental Law of Vatican City State, most recently reissued in 2023, vests the fullness of legislative, executive and judicial power in the Supreme Pontiff, who exercises it directly or through the Pontifical Commission and Governorate.

The constitutional text

The Fundamental Law of Vatican City State, most recently reissued in 2023, vests the fullness of legislative, executive and judicial power in the Supreme Pontiff, who exercises it directly or through the Pontifical Commission and Governorate.

Separation of powers

Power is concentrated in the Supreme Pontiff, exercised through the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State (legislative), the Governorate (executive) and the Vatican tribunals (judicial).

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