Vatican City flagPolitics & Government Guide · Vatican City

Politics & 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

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

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.

Voting Age18
SuffrageVatican citizenship required; no universal suffrage
Constitution1929
Unified city-state1