The new Vatican euro coin set, the first issued during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, draws direct inspiration from the pope's coat of arms, reproduced on the cover with a chalk-effect finish and embossed on an ivory background. A deep blue highlights the inscriptions and key graphic elements, echoing the colours of the two heraldic fields of the papal shield.
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Twenty fully electric Fiat Topolino vehicles were officially delivered to the Governorate of Vatican City State on the morning of Tuesday, 30 June.
To pay tribute to the Apostle Peter, the Gardens and Environment Service—part of the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services of the Governorate of the Vatican City State—has revived a tradition that dates back to the late 1700s.
To celebrate 40 years of floral decorations donated to the Pope for the Easter celebrations, a Liriodendron tulipifera—known as the tulip tree—has been planted in the Vatican Gardens. The reference to the most famous flower cultivated in the Netherlands could not be missing for this new plant, which since Friday morning, April 24, has taken root.
The decorations have been realized thanks to the generous contribution of Dutch florists and decorators, led by chief decorator Piet van der Burg, in collaboration with the staff of the Gardens and Environment Service.
Thousands of multicolored flowers and plants from Italy and the Netherlands will adorned St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica for the celebrations of Holy Week.
Listening to the Voice of the Lord
Together through the Vatican Gardens to relive the sorrowful Passion of Christ. As is tradition, this year as well, the Governorate of the Vatican City State promoted the pious exercise of praying the Way of the Cross for its employees.
A wooden statue of the Infant Jesus is now present in the Church of Mary, Mother of the Family, in the Governorate building. It was donated by the community of the Discalced Carmelites of the Shrine of Arenzano (Genoa). The enthronement ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon, March 26, in the presence of Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, President Emeritus of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, who also presided over the Holy Mass.
Symbol of Resilience and Longevity
The Ginkgo Biloba survives in polluted urban environments, tolerates various soil types, and resists diseases and parasites. In many Asian cultures, it is a symbol of longevity. The tree offers numerous benefits, including improving urban air quality and creating shaded, cooling areas during the warm seasons. A specimen of this species was planted on March 6 in the Vatican Gardens.
In the splendid setting of St. Peter’s Square, the evocative moments of the lighting of the Christmas tree illuminations and the inauguration of the Nativity scene for Christmas 2025.
