Politics & Government Guide · Vatican CityPolitics & Government Guide in Vatican City
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Vatican City is a theocratic absolute monarchy governed by Pope Leo XIV, who exercises supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power. The Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, composed of seven cardinals appointed by the Pope, manages legislative matters. Raffaella Petrini serves as President of the Governorate, handling executive administration under papal authority.
Government Type
Theocratic absolute elective monarchy
Legal System
Canon law system with civil law elements
Head of State
Sovereign Leo XIV(since 2025)
Head of Government
President of the Governorate Raffaella Petrinisince 2025
Legislature
Voting Rights
Only Vatican citizens participate in papal conclaves and rare referenda. Vatican citizenship is limited to clergy and select lay officials appointed by the Pope. No general parliamentary elections or universal voting rights exist.
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