Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has issued a new Motu Proprio that allows lay men and women, as well as religious sisters, to serve as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State. The decision removes an article from the Fundamental Law that previously limited the role to cardinals and brings greater clarity to the governance structure of the city state.

The update follows the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini, who has been serving as president of the Pontifical Commission and head of the Governorate since March 2025. She is the first woman to hold this senior position, which carries both legislative and administrative authority within Vatican City.

The previous law, published in 2023, stated that the president had to be a cardinal. That rule no longer applies. The new version of Article 8 says the commission will include cardinals and other members, including the president, all chosen by the pope for a five year term. This change formally opens the door for non cardinals to lead the body.

In his letter, Pope Leo explains that the Governorate plays a central role in serving the mission of Vatican City State and must function with shared responsibility. He notes that governance needs have become more complex and require updated structures. The reform, he says, continues the approach encouraged by Pope Francis in the constitution Praedicate Evangelium.

By updating the law, Pope Leo strengthens a change first introduced by Francis and resolves a legal gap that had existed after Sister Petrini’s appointment. The Motu Proprio, signed on November 19, takes effect immediately.