On Italy’s “National Tree Day,” November 21, 2025, two “manna” ash trees were planted in the Vatican Gardens, as a way of implementing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’. The document calls us to safeguard our common home, promote green spaces, protect trees, and respect the environment, the air, and the soil.
The tree planting initiative came from an idea jointly shared by Friar Paolo FIASCONARO; Professor Rosario SCHICCHI, Director of the Palermo Botanical Garden; and Nicola FIASCONARO, a master pastry chef. All three men are from the town of Castelbuono in Sicily, Italy. Castelbuono, and its neighbor, Pollina, cultivate manna ash trees to produce manna sap.
The two trees—Fraxinus ornus and Fraxinus angustifolia—were planted precisely on the day when many countries celebrate “National Tree Day,” a holiday during which schools and municipalities promote awareness and respect for nature and creation.
This tree planting was special not only because the species are rare in the Vatican Gardens, but also because the ash trees, which are grown in the Madonie Mountains [Sicily, Italy], produce “manna sap.” a nectar used in cosmetics, wellness products, pastries, and medicine. Symbolically, the event recalled the biblical manna, the heavenly dew that God gave the Jewish people on their journey to the Promised Land.
The tree planting was hosted by the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, the Governorate of the Vatican City State, and the Vatican gardeners. Others attending included Friar Paolo and a large delegation from Sicily. Archbishop Emilio NAPPA, the Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, opened the ceremony and spoke about the profound value of the initiative.
He was followed by the Most Reverend Giuseppe MARCIANTE, Bishop of Cefalù, Italy, who spoke and pointed out how this tree planting promotes the Madonie region and is a tribute Pope Francis’ Laudato si’. Next, Professor Rosario SCHICCHI gave a speech on the scientific importance of the two trees as symbols of local biodiversity.
Others attending the tree planting included the Mayor of Castelbuono, Italy, Mario CICERO; the Mayor of Pollina, Italy, Pietro MUSOTTO; and the Mayor of Isnello, Italy, Marcello CATANZARO. These three mayors represent the areas where manna sap is produced. Also present were the Director of Italy’s TV2000, Vincenzo MORGANTE; the FIASCONARO brothers, Nicola, Martino, and Fausto; various Vatican officials; and the twenty gardeners of the Vatican Gardens.
The ceremony concluded with a “convivium” offered by the chefs of the FIASCONARO Pastry Company, featuring desserts made with the sugary nectar derived from manna sap.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
