Pope of the Vatican issues a new constitution for the Vatican State

Pope Francis approved a new constitution for the Vatican State. The constitution of the smallest country in the world, published on Saturday, outlined its most important institutions and rules in 24 articles, Cathpress reported.

The last revision of the “Legge Fondamentale” for the Vatican City State was made in 2000. The first edition and origin date back to 1929.

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For the first time, the new Statute clarifies the service role of the small Vatican State in the subject of international law, the Holy See. It is clear that the roles of the Holy See (and the Vatican Curia are its members) and the Vatican State (with the “province” as state government) are separated and codified in the way they have been used for decades.

The Pope remains the sole holder of legislative, judicial, and executive powers in Vatican City. He delegates his authority to several institutions. A major innovation was the formation of the pioneering “Pontifical Commission for the State of the Vatican”.

The laity could also belong to the Pontifical Commission

Until now it consisted exclusively of cardinals, but in the future ordinary people could also belong to it. Its members are appointed by the pope for a term of five years. The body interprets the laws of the state, its president is also a kind of head of government and heads the so-called prefecture. As before, judges in the Vatican State are bound by its laws; The pope’s right to pardon convicts still existed.

Transparent state budget

What is new, however, is that the state budget must be balanced and transparent. A three-man control panel created by the Pope for the first time examines him. According to the will of the Pope, the new Basic Law of the Vatican City State will enter into force on June 7.