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The Margin★ Midterms 2026 · 124d
Europe · reference

🇻🇦 Vatican City

Elective absolute monarchy (theocratic)

SystemElective absolute monarchy (theocratic)
Head of statePope Leo XIV, sovereign of the Vatican City State
Head of governmentSister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate
LegislatureNo elected legislature · a papally appointed Pontifical Commission exercises legislative power
ElectionsNo popular elections · the only election is the conclave, in which cardinals choose a pope for life
Last election2025-05-08 · papal conclave elected Leo XIV

The world's smallest sovereign state exists to guarantee the independence of the Holy See, which conducts diplomacy with most of the world's countries and holds UN observer status. Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, is the first pope born in the United States. Raffaella Petrini became the first woman to head the Vatican's government in 2025.

Live encyclopedic leader and election records · verified 2026-07-02
The Margin models elections where a competitive public record exists · all countries