Abstract

The Fundamental Law of 2023 establishes the structure of the Vatican State as such and in relation to the sacramental structure of the Church and the position in it of the Successor of Peter. The Law identifies the governing bodies of the State which, on behalf of the Sovereign Pontiff, exercise legislative, executive and judicial powers, carefully distinguishing the organization of the Vatican State from that of the Roman Curia. It establishes a direct relationship with the Sovereign, no longer mediated through the Secretariat of State, as it was before: the power of the Pontiff in the government of the State, however, is functional to the principal power, episcopal in nature, that the successor of Peter exercises.