Wow Vatican Officially Lights its Stunning Christmas Tree and Nativity in Breathtaking Ceremony! VIDEO


🎄 Vatican Lights Up St. Peter's Square: Christmas Tree and Nativity Scene Inaugurated

The Vatican officially inaugurated its Christmas tree and nativity scene in St. Peter's Square on Monday, December 15, 2025.

The ceremonial lighting was led by Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, alongside key civil and religious delegates from the donating dioceses.

🕊️ Significance of the Christmas Elements

Sister Petrini emphasized the deeper meaning of the display:

  • "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."


  • She noted the upcoming 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene, a tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.

🤝 Key Participants and Donors

The event involved various high-level representatives:

  • Inaugural Figure: Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State.

  • Donating Dioceses:

    • Nativity Scene: The Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno (Southern Italy). Bishop Giuseppe Giudice was present.

    • Christmas Tree: The Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone (Northern Italy). Bishop Ivo Muser was present.

  • Vatican Officials: Archbishop Emilio Nappa and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, secretaries-general of the Governatorate, also participated.

  • Papal Meeting: The delegates had met with Pope Leo XIV earlier in the day.

The inauguration featured performances of traditional Christmas songs and dances by the Vatican Gendarmerie’s band and various diocesan choirs/bands.

⏳ Display Duration

The Christmas display will remain in St. Peter's Square until the conclusion of the Christmas season, which is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

🌟 Highlighting the Nativity Scene (Presepe)

  • Origin: Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno.

  • Dimensions: Set on a 17 x 12-meter base (56 x 39 feet), reaching a height of 7.70 meters (25 feet).

  • Design: Features traditional architectural and cultural elements of the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese area.

  • Figures: Includes nods to regional saints like St. Alphonsus Liguori and life-size shepherds and animals.

  • Symbolism: Incorporates symbols of the area's food and wine heritage and uses paving reflecting ancient Roman roads.

🌲 Highlighting the Christmas Tree

  • Origin: Gift from the municipalities of Lagundo and Ultimo in the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone.

  • Type: European Spruce.

  • Scale: Measures 25 meters (82 feet) tall and weighs approximately 8,000 kilograms (over 17,000 pounds).

  • Sustainability:

    • 40 smaller trees were also brought to decorate Vatican buildings.

    • After the season, essential oils will be extracted from the branches, and the remaining wood will be recycled by an association, in line with "respect for creation."

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