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As the summer drones on, we have entered the month of August. This past Saturday marked the 97th anniversary of the opening of the Vatican Post Office and the beginning of postal services administered by the Vatican City State on August 1, 1929. The centennial will be here before you know it. On Friday, Leo XIV promulgated a new Fundamental Law, replacing the most recent amendment that took place in 2023. This document has been amended on multiple occasions since the establishment of the Vatican City State with the signing of the Lateran Pacts in 1929. The change drawing the most attention was that to Article 8, which affects the role of the presidency of the Pontifical Commission. The commission is responsible for the legislative function of the State. Prior to last year, that role was reserved exclusively to cardinals, but it was amended by the Motu Proprio of November 2025, introduced by Pope Leo. Article 8 now reads: “The Pontifical Commission is composed of Cardinals and other Members, including the President, appointed by the Supreme Pontiff for a five-year term.” (edited section in bold)Why is this significant? That office is now held by a non-cardinal, Sister Raffaella Petrini, who also serves as President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. She has served in that dual role at the will of both Pope Leo and his predecessor, Pope Francis, since March of 2025. The new Fundamental Law can be accessed by clicking on this LINK. The document is in Italian but can be easily translated using your computer's translation function. |
