According to the fundamental law of Vatican City State, signed by Pope John Paul II on Nov. 26, 2000, the legislative power, save for cases which the Holy Father wishes to reserve to himself, is exercised by a commission made up of a cardinal president and other cardinals, appointed by the Pontiff for a five-year period.
The executive power is exercised by the president of the commission, at present Cardinal Edmund Szoka.
The Vatican press office announced Cardinal Martino’s appointment today.