Holy See

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APOSTOLIC LETTER

ISSUED MOTU PROPRIO OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF FRANCIS
ON THE JURISDICTION OF JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES OF VATICAN CITY STATE
IN CRIMINAL MATTERS

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_{In our times, the common good is increasingly threatened by transnational organized crime, the improper use of the markets and of the economy, as well as by terrorism. It is therefore necessary for the international community to adopt adequate legal instruments to prevent and counter criminal activities, by promoting international judicial cooperation on criminal matters. In ratifying numerous international conventions in these areas, and acting also on behalf of Vatican City State, the Holy See has constantly maintained that such agreements are effective means to prevent criminal activities that threaten human dignity, the common good and peace. With a view to renewing the Apostolic See’s commitment to cooperate to these ends, by means of this Apostolic Letter issued Motu Proprio, I establish that:}

1. _{The competent Judicial Authorities of Vatican City State shall also exercise penal jurisdiction
   over:
   a) crimes committed against the security, the fundamental interests or the patrimony of the Holy
   See;
   b) crimes referred to:}

• in Vatican City State Law No. VIII, of 11 July 2013, containing Supplementary Norms on Criminal
  Law Matters;
• _{in Vatican City State Law No. IX, of 11 July 2013, containing Amendments to the Criminal Code
  and the Criminal Procedure Code;
  when such crimes are committed by the persons referred to in paragraph 3 below, in the exercise
  of their functions;
  c) any other crime whose prosecution is required by an international agreement ratified by the
  Holy See, if the perpetrator is physically present in the territory of Vatican City State and has not
  been extradited.}