On July 31, 2026, Pope Leo XIV issued a new constitution for Vatican City State. Taking effect immediately, it replaced the previous constitution issued by the late Pope Francis on May 13, 2023.The new constitution aims to reinforce the foundational legal structure of Vatican City State, its powers, and the exercise of its functions, while reaffirming the unique nature and autonomy of the Vatican’s legal system. The constitution recalls that such autonomy stems from the Lateran Treaty of 1929, which guarantees the absolute and visible independence and sovereignty of the Holy See, the seat of the Catholic Church in Vatican City, including in the international arena. (Constitution, preamble....