Vatican City flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Vatican City

Government Type

Absolute monarchy

Legal System

Absolute monarchy with canon law and civil law elements

Head of State

Pope Leo XIV(since 2025)

Head of Government

President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State Fernando Vérgez Alzagasince 2021

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Upper House:Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State (7 seats)

Voting Rights

No popular elections for government; Swiss Guard members and some employees vote for a minor consultative council (Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State does not involve popular vote)

Voting Age18
SuffrageNo general elections