Inspired by the call of Pope Francis to protect the environment, the Vatican will destroy all chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

The head of the vast Vatican gardens announced an initiative that has already begun to completely eliminate the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Vatican gardens have reduced the use of chemicals by 96%, according to a report by L'Osservatore Romano.

In 2015, the Vatican had already stopped using the glyphosate chemical agent as a herbicide. Instead, they now use pelargonic acid, a natural substance found in pelargonium plants, and spray it on the Vatican's gravel paths only twice a year to reduce its environmental impact.

As part of this initiative, the Vatican Gardens decided to use organic products to kill harmful insects and changed their strategy to help plants help themselves.

“The principle that inspires the project,” said Tornini L'Osservatore Romano, “is to strengthen the protection of the flora, and not act primarily against its enemies. When the garden is healthy, it is able to keep parasites at bay thanks to better fertilizer, optimal pruning and careful reforestation. ”

In addition, Tornini said, dandelions and aromatic plants were planted to attract carnivorous insects, which are then consumed by bats living in the garden.

Another aspect of the initiative is an updated irrigation system. It is expected that the new system - a much needed update to the existing labyrinth of failed pipes, dated 1932-33, will reduce water consumption by 60%.