On Italy\u2019s \u201cNational Tree Day,\u201d November 21, 2025, two \u201cmanna\u201d ash trees were planted in the Vatican Gardens, as a way of implementing Pope Francis\u2019 encyclical Laudato si\u2019<\/em>. The document calls us to safeguard our common home, promote green spaces, protect trees, and respect the environment, the air, and the soil.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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. Friar Paolo FIASCONARO<\/p>\n
\nThe two trees\u2014Fraxinus ornus<\/em> and Fraxinus angustifolia<\/em>\u2014were planted precisely on the day when many countries celebrate \u201cNational Tree Day,\u201d a holiday during which schools and municipalities promote awareness and respect for nature and creation.
\nThis 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 \u201cmanna sap.\u201d 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.
\nThe tree planting was hosted by the Vatican\u2019s 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.\u00ad\u00ad
\nHe was followed by the Most Reverend Giuseppe MARCIANTE, Bishop of Cefal\u00f9, Italy, who spoke and pointed out how this tree planting promotes the Madonie region and is a tribute Pope Francis\u2019 Laudato si\u2019. <\/em>Next, Professor Rosario SCHICCHI gave a speech on the scientific importance of the two trees as symbols of local biodiversity.
\nOthers 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\u2019s TV2000, Vincenzo MORGANTE; the FIASCONARO brothers, Nicola, Martino, and Fausto; various Vatican officials; and the twenty gardeners of the Vatican Gardens.
\nThe ceremony concluded with a \u201cconvivium<\/em>\u201d offered by the chefs of the FIASCONARO Pastry Company, featuring desserts made with the sugary nectar derived from manna sap.<\/p>\n