Vatican Christmas tree and Nativity Scene inaugurated in St. Peter’s Square
Vatican News
The Vatican’s Christmas tree and Nativity Scene were lit up and officially inaugurated in St. Peter’s Square on Monday, 15 December, by Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State.
“Today, in this square that embraces the world, the Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are not merely Christmas decorations, but signs of communion, calls to peace and to the care of creation, and invitations to universal fraternity, which St. Francis placed above all else and which became the hallmark of his charism,” she said, recalling that next year will mark the 800th anniversary of the death of the Saint of Assisi, who began the tradition of Nativity Scenes in 1223.
Religious and civil representatives from the dioceses that donated the elements were present and spoke at the inauguration event, and earlier in the day had the chance to meet with Pope Leo XIV.
The Vatican Gendarmerie’s band, as well as different choirs and bands from the dioceses, performed traditional Christmas songs and dances.
The Nativity Scene and the tree will remain on display until the end of the Christmas season, which coincides with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, in southern Italy, developed the Nativity Scene, and was represented by Bishop Giuseppe Giudice. The Christmas tree came from the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, in northern Italy, and Bishop Ivo Muser was also present.
Archbishop Emilio Nappa and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, both secretaries-general of the Governatorate, also participated in the inauguration event.
Nativity Scene
The Nativity Scene is set on a 17 by 12-meter rectangle (56 feet by 39 feet) platform, with a 7.70-meter height (25 feet). It features many traditional architectural and cultural elements from the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese area, as well as nods to certain saints and religious figures important to the region, such as St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists (Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer) and the Servants of God, Father Enrico Smaldone and Alfonso Russo.
It also includes symbols that highlight the food and wine heritage of the area. The paving shows ancient Roman roads in stone slabs, and life-size shepherds and animal figures have been anchored to it.
The Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is a European spruce and came from the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. It measures 25 meters (82 feet) and weighs around 8000 kilograms (over 17,000 pounds) and was a gift from the municipalities of Lagundo and Ultimo in northern Italy.
In addition to the main tree, 40 other smaller trees will also be brought to the Vatican and will be used to decorate offices, public places, and buildings in the Holy See.
At the end of the Christmas period, essential oils will be extracted from the branches of the tree, while the rest of the wood will be recycled by an association, in keeping with the principle of respect for creation.
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