VATICAN ET PAPE LEON XIV #Constitution

The Pope exercises a dual power: spiritual over the universal Church and temporal over Vatican City State. The new Fundamental Law of July 31, 2026, modernizes this structure by opening civil governance to lay people and clarifying the distinction between state administration and the evangelical mission of the Holy See.

The Vatican's new Fundamental Law structures the judicial system around three bodies and introduces the principles of rehabilitation and fairness. However, the Pope retains the right to initiate any criminal or civil proceedings, confirming the continued absolute power at the highest level of the state.

From July 27 to August 2, 2026, Pope Leo XIV experienced an intense week. He prayed with young choir members, modernized the Vatican Constitution by opening up its governance, and honored the memory of martyrs in Albania. Finally, he called on the youth of the world and of Ecuador to reject greed in order to build peace.