Vatican City

An elected absolute monarchy under the Pope Vatican City's monarch is chosen by election, not birth: the cardinals in conclave pick the Pope, who holds the fullness of the state's legislative, executive and judicial power. Day-to-day government is delegated to the Governorate and its Pontifical Commission, which since 2023 has been open to members other than cardinals, appointed for five years. A 2025 change, carried into the new Fundamental Law signed in July 2026, lets someone who is not a cardinal lead the Commission, and a religious sister now does. For anyone sorting the world's monarchies, it is the clearest case of absolute rule combined with an electoral college.