Explanatory note regarding the Fundamental Law

The new Fundamental Law of the Vatican City State responds to the need, as stated in its Preamble, to take account of new requirements of governance and of a number of significant legislative developments that have taken place in recent years.

Promulgated by Pope Leo XIV at the beginning of his Pontificate, the Law confirms and incorporates those developments, which concern the legislative, executive and judicial functions.

With regard to the legislative function, it incorporates the amendment already introduced by Pope Leo XIV through the Motu Proprio of 19 November 2025 concerning the Presidency of the Pontifical Commission.

With regard to the executive function, the Law confirms, on the one hand, the role of the Governorate, which, through its organizational structure, contributes to the proper mission of the State and serves the Successor of Peter, to whom it is directly accountable; on the other hand, it more clearly defines the respective responsibilities of the President and the Secretary General, as well as the relationship of collaboration between them.

With regard to the judicial function, the Law expressly confirms that the legal status of the judicial bodies is governed by the Law on the Judicial System. That Law, as a result of the significant reforms introduced in recent years, fully ensures the proper administration of justice.

With this coherent legislative approach, the new Fundamental Law—which, like its predecessors, establishes the constitutional framework of the Vatican City State, its public authorities and the exercise of their respective functions—remains the foundation and point of reference for all other legislation of the State, while reaffirming the distinctive nature and autonomy of the Vatican legal order.