From 2015 to 2022 he was president of the Italian section of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need, which deals with religious persecution.

In the XIV legislature (2001–2006), he held the position of undersecretary at the Ministry of the Interior in the Berlusconi governments.

In December 2012, Mantovano, together with other MPs of the People of Freedom, voted the confidence to the Monti government, which Berlusconi had instead withdrawn his support.

[1] At the end of the Legislature, he decided not to stand as a candidate in the 2013 general elections, and resumed his career as a magistrate.

[2] On 23 October 2022 he was appointed Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the Meloni government.