The Flora Coat of Arms of Pope Leo Xiv has been unveiled within the Vatican Gardens, two weeks after it was completed by the Gardens and Environment Service of the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services of the Governatore, on the Slope of the Governor’s Palace descending toward the apse of Saint Peters Basilica.
Like the previous Papal Coat of arms, it will be admire annually by thousands of visitors from an exceptional vantage point. The Dome of Vatican Basilica.
The coat of arms was crafted by the Gardens and Environment Service of the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services of Governatore of Vatican City State, a project that took approximately two weeks due to the need to design the new emblem y and then reproduce it on site.
On average, two gardeners worked daily bringing skill and artistic flair to the floral competition.
The Shield: The Structural “Frame” in which the Coat of arms is set remains the same as that of Pope Francis.
It consists of a metre recreated using Buxus sempervirens ( dwarf box ) placed between Crossed gold and Silver Keys, bound with red cord. Using Euronymous aureus ( Variegated Spindle), a plant that is regularly trimmed to remain dwarf and maintain its Yellowish colour. The Silver Key was created by using Helichrysum Italicum, a seasonal plant that must be replaced at least once a year to preserve the colour.
The red cords binding the keys were made with Iresine in summer and Viola curnuts, also red in winter. The papal shield, divided diagonally into two sections, feature different plant materials. In the upper left, on a blue background, a white lily is depited – a symbol of purity and virginity representing the Virgin Mary.
The emblem of the Order of Saint Augustine . To reproduce the blue background, 400 “Blue Star” Ageratum plants were reused from Pope Francis floral coat of arms. The lily was made using 50 Helichrysum Italicum plants, propagated by cutting the greenhouse maintenance staff of the Gardens and Environment Service.
On the lower right side of the shield, against a light background, append the emblem of the Order of Saint Augustine: a heart pierced by arrow, placed atop a book. This symbolises the Conversation of Saint Augustine and represent the Word of God piercing the heart of the great Doctor of the Church, who once said ( “You have pierced my heart with your word”).
To form this lighter half of the shield, 400 bronze – leaved, white – flowered. Begon semper florens Night Life plants were used. The heart was formed using Iresine linden plants, propagated by greenhouse staff.
The book was crafted in collaboration with the blacksmith unit of the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services, who fashioned metal sheets to create its shape. Red lava rock was placed inside for the red detailing, and white gavel was used to hight the pages.
In the end, nature – with all its splendor and colour combined with the expertise of the Vatican Gardens Staff brought to life this gem of artistic beauty.
