Constitutional Law at Vatican City
Alright, let's dive into it!
Constitutional Law at Vatican City is quite unique compared to other countries because Vatican City is both a city-state and the spiritual headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Vatican City's "constitution" is called the Fundamental Law of Vatican City State.
The latest version was promulgated by Pope Francis and came into effect on June 7, 2023 (it replaced the earlier 2000 version issued by Pope John Paul II).
The Pope is the supreme authority — he holds absolute executive, legislative, and judicial power.
There is no separation of powers like in most modern constitutional systems; the Pope has full, direct authority.
The Pope delegates some governance to a few bodies:
Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State (acts like a legislature, but under Pope's authority)
Governorate of Vatican City State (runs the day-to-day administration)
Laws of Vatican City are heavily influenced by Canon Law (the legal system of the Catholic Church).
Vatican City’s courts also operate under a mix of civil law and canon law principles.
Citizenship in Vatican City is mostly temporary and tied to the person’s official role in the Church or Vatican.
In short: Vatican City’s constitutional law is centered around the Pope’s authority, blending religious governance and civil administration into a tiny but powerful independent state.
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