8. Vatican City
Though it is quite different from the other monarchies on this list, the world's smallest sovereign state, Vatican City, is technically an absolute monarchy. However, it is a unique “elective monarchy,” with a college of cardinals electing a pope, currently Pope Francis, to rule over the world's Roman Catholic Church and also to be the political leader of Vatican City.
Though he appoints cardinals (who all must be ordained Catholic priests) to oversee various day-to-day affairs, the pope has the power to remove anyone from their office and to change any laws or practices of Vatican City at any time. Because of these far-reaching powers, many people consider him to be the only absolute monarch still ruling in Europe. In practice, however, the pope focuses on spiritual leadership, appointing other trusted officials to oversee the political affairs of the Vatican.
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