Pope Francis approved new laws concerning the structure and governance of the Vatican City State

Pope Francis approved a new set of laws concerning the structure and governance of Vatican City State in an effort to simplify the many offices and activities of the world’s smallest nation and to boost oversight, transparency and budgetary controls.

The measures, issued “motu proprio,” on the pope’s own accord, were published Dec. 6.

In his letter, the pope said the reorganization was necessary to make it “suitable to current needs” while ensuring its mission to serve the pope and the specific aims of the departments and activities within Vatican City State.

NCR