The recent changes in matters of justice and competence of the judicial bodies of the Vatican City State pursuant to the motu proprio Esigenze emerse on 8 February 2021 and Secondo la Costituzione of 30 April 2021

Abstract

During 2021, the Pope issued two motu proprio modifying the order of the Vatican City State. The first introduces the possibility of obtaining, under certain conditions, a reduction in penalties, reformulates the trial in absentia and provides for a single office of promoter of justice. The second motu proprio eliminates the norm that foresaw the judgment of cardinals only at the Supreme Court. An initial analysis and commentary on the two legislative texts is provided.