The Vatican lights up the Christmas tree and Nativity Scene in St. Peter\u2019s Square in a ceremony with Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, and Italian civil and religious representatives of the dioceses that donated the Christmas elements.<\/p>\n
Vatican News<\/b><\/p>\n
The Vatican\u2019s Christmas tree and Nativity Scene were lit up and officially inaugurated in St. Peter\u2019s Square on Monday, 15 December, by Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, 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,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Vatican Gendarmerie\u2019s band, as well as different choirs and bands from the dioceses, performed traditional Christmas songs and dances.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Archbishop Emilio Nappa and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, both secretaries-general of the Governatorate, also participated in the inauguration event.<\/p>\n