Unitary Ecclesiastical Elective Monarchy
Vatican City is governed as an absolute elective monarchy, with the Pope holding supreme legislative, executive, and judicial authority as head of the Roman Catholic Church.
1 City-State
As the world’s smallest sovereign state, Vatican City is not subdivided into any further administrative regions.
No Elected Legislature
Vatican City has no elected legislative body; the Pope holds full legislative authority, delegated in practice to appointed commissions.
Papal Conclave Elections
Vatican City has no elected legislative body; the Pope holds full legislative authority, delegated in practice to appointed commissions.