By Vatican News
The Vatican’s Christmas tree and nativity scene were lit up and officially inaugurated in St Peter’s Square on Monday, Dec 15, 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, remembering how next year will be 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 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, Jan 11, 2026.
The diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno in southern Italy developed the nativity scene, and was represented by its Bishop Giuseppe Giudice. The Christmas tree instead came from the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, in northern Italy, and the 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.
