In memory of the Apparition of Our Lady of Altagracia

Our Lady of Altagracia has been protecting and accompanying the people of the Dominican Republic since 1514.  A replica of the venerated image can also be found in the Vatican Garden’s Bastione Maestro. According to tradition, the image appeared on an orange tree. In memory of the Apparition and in an effort to strengthen the bond between Vatican City State and the faithful of the Caribbean nation, on Tuesday morning, 23 July, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State and Luis Emilio Montalvo Arzeno, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Holy See, planted an orange tree in the Vatican Gardens. Salvatore Farina, Director of the Directorate for Infrastructures and Services, was also present at the tree planting event.

Protecting people and emergency response

With its 35 members, the Fire Brigade of Vatican City State is responsible for the complete protection of people, places and assets without any time limitations. The Fire Brigade is present at all papal celebrations, ready to intervene promptly in case of fire. Its task is to guarantee the safety of people, provide rescue services to the public and prevent and extinguish fires throughout the territory of Vatican City State in the buildings mentioned in Articles 15 and 16 of the Lateran Treaty. The following is an interview with Paolo De Angelis, Coordinator of the Fire Brigade.

The Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State and the Agency for National Cybersecurity of the Italian Republic (ACN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of information, Training activities and cyber security projects to enhance technical and scientific skills and expertise in the prevention of cyber-crime risk.

Making peace is the most beautiful thing

Five hundred colored balloons made of natural rubber - all biodegradable, including the rope, expression of the vocation to protect creation of the Governorate - launched into the sky to express joy for meeting with Pope Francis. On each were impressed the words of the Pontiff: "To you, dear boy, to you, dear girl, you are precious in the eyes of God".

On Friday morning, 19 July, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sister Raffaella Petrini, respectively, President and General Secretary of the Governorate of Vatican City State, met with H.E. María Leticia Casati Caballero, Ambassador of Paraguay to the Holy see on a farewell visit.