Christmas tree arrives in St Peter's Square

The lights have been turned on an 82-foot-tall Christmas tree in the centre of St Peter's Square. Crowds applauded when the tree, topped by a star, began to glow during the ceremony on Friday evening. The large fir tree and other smaller trees destined for other locations within Vatican City were donated this year, by the community of Waldmunchen in Germany, located just 18 kilometres from the border with the Czech Republic.

In his address, Pope Francis spoke about the “spiritual closeness and friendship that unites all of Germany, and particularly Bavaria, with the Holy See, following the Christian tradition that has rendered fruitful the culture, literature and art of this nation, and of Europe as a whole”.

The tree, set beside a large Nativity scene, will be admired by many Romans, pilgrims and tourists who attend St Peter's Square during the period of Advent, in which “there resounds in every place the joyful proclamation of the angel to the shepherds of Bethlehem … who were surrounded by a great light. Even today, Jesus continues to dissipate the shadows of error and sin, to bring to humanity the joy of the brilliant divine light, of which the Christmas tree is a sign and a memory. May we let ourselves be surrounded by the light of truth, so that the joy of the Gospel may fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus”.

The Holy Father wished a happy Christmas to the representatives of the community of Waldmunchen, as well as their families and compatriots, and asked them to pray for him.

When the tree is taken down, after the Epiphany, the wood will be used to make toys and other objects.

Source: VIS