The Vatican marked the start of the Christmas season with the official inauguration of its Christmas tree and Nativity Scene in St. Peter’s Square on Monday, December 15.
The ceremony was led by Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, and attended by Italian civil and religious representatives from the dioceses that contributed to the festive displays.
Addressing those gathered, Sister Petrini stressed that the Nativity Scene and Christmas tree go beyond their decorative role, describing them as powerful symbols of communion, peace, care for creation, and universal fraternity.
She recalled the spiritual legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, who first introduced the Nativity tradition in 1223, noting that 2026 will mark 800 years since his death.
Representatives from the participating dioceses were present at the inauguration and had earlier met with Pope Leo XIV.
The celebration featured traditional Christmas music and dances performed by the Vatican Gendarmerie band, alongside choirs and musical groups from the contributing dioceses.
The Christmas installations will remain on display in St. Peter’s Square until the conclusion of the festive season on January 11, 2026, coinciding with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Designed by the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno in southern Italy, the Nativity Scene is set on a 17-by-12-meter platform and rises to a height of 7.7 meters.
It showcases traditional architectural and cultural features from the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese region, while also honoring prominent religious figures associated with the area, including St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists, and the Servants of God Father Enrico Smaldone and Alfonso Russo.
The display also reflects the region’s rich food and wine heritage, with stone-paved pathways inspired by ancient Roman roads and life-size figures of shepherds and animals.
The Christmas tree, a 25-meter European spruce weighing around 8,000 kilograms, was donated by the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone in northern Italy, with support from the municipalities of Lagundo and Ultimo.
In addition, 40 smaller trees have been placed throughout Vatican offices and public spaces.
In keeping with the Vatican’s commitment to environmental responsibility, essential oils will be extracted from the tree’s branches after the Christmas season, while the remaining wood will be recycled.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Archbishop Emilio Nappa and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Secretaries-General of the Governatorate.
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