Model farm opens on Vatican estate to produce “papal” oil and wine

(Photo: Pixabay)

On Friday, Pope Leo XIV will officially open the agricultural area called Borgo Laudato si, which is part of the papal estates of Castel Gandolfo, located just thirty kilometers from Rome. Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo will sing at the inauguration ceremony.

The phrase Laudato si, or Blessed Be, comes from Saint Francis, and Pope Francis used the same opening line in his 2015 encyclical on the protection of creation

The Pope, who died in April this year, wanted the papal estate in Castel Gandolfo to be used for agricultural activities that respect nature and human dignity. The Blessed Be farm produces “a new type of grapes, olives and honey that are sustainable and resistant to climate change,” Cardinal Fabio Baggio, who is responsible for the farm, said during a preliminary press visit. The first harvest is planned for 2027, and the wine and oil will also bear the Laudato si label.

The farm uses green energy, uses economical drip irrigation systems, and tries to minimize waste production

Forty people already work on the estate, and the Vatican has given work opportunities to former convicts and rehabilitated drug addicts. Women fleeing domestic violence also find protection within the walls of the farm. The pride of the estate is the modern educational center, where two to three thousand students from primary schools to universities are expected every year, and they also intend to provide further training for international companies.

The residence built in Castel Gandolfo has been used by popes since the 16th century, primarily during their summer vacations. In ancient times, the villa of Emperor Domitian stood on the same site

Castel Gandolfo was considered the second Vatican during the papacy of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, while Pope Francis did not retreat here even during the hot summer months. XIV Leo “moved out” to the papal palaces on the shores of Lake Albano in July and August this year, surrounded by a beautiful park with numerous archaeological monuments and contemporary art works. The entire park, which covers 55 hectares, including the agricultural area, will be open to the public: the Vatican expects 250,000 visitors a year.

MTI