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Holy See: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
Pope Francis
Head of Government:
Fernando Vergez Alzaga

Overview

Government Name:
Vatican City State
Constitution:
Adopted: 2000; Aims to guarantee the freedom of the Apostolic See and assure the real and visible independence of the Roman Pontiff in the exercise of his mission in the world.
Government Type:
Ecclesiastical
Vatican City State Flag
Coat of Arms of Vatican City State

Index of Economic Freedom

There is no Index of Economic Freedom rating for Holy See

Country Risk Rating

There is no Country Risk Rating for Holy See

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The president of the commission can enact decrees for the implementation of legal provisions and regulations and, in times of urgent necessity, enact decrees that have the force of law if they are confirmed by the commission within ninety days. Although the Pontifical Swiss Guard is not governed by the Vatican City State (VCS), the president of the commission has access to the guard if needed, in addition to the security forces of the VCS.

The Pope is elected by the college of cardinals, and the secretary of state is appointed by the Pope.

Until death or registration
Judicial

As noted earlier, where these laws and regulations do not cover certain instances, the Vatican has recourse to Italian laws, to provincial regulations, and to the municipal rules of the city of Rome.

Appointed by the Pope.

1 year
Legislative

Comprises the laws and regulations of the state of the Vatican city, the code of canon law, the code of civil procedure, the apostolic constitutions, the Lateran Treaty, and the conventions with other foreign states.

7 members are appointed by the Pope.

Life appointment

Regional Trade Blocs

No Regional Trade Blocs

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/