Hundreds of pilgrims gathered at five o’clock in the afternoon in St. Peter’s Square to witness one of the most special moments of Advent: the lighting of the Christmas tree and the inauguration of the Nativity scene.
The ceremony began with the official Vatican anthem, followed by a speech from the President of the Governatorate, Sister Rafaella Petrini, in which she explained that this year, if anything, the inauguration is even more special.
RAFAELLA PETRINI
President of the Governatorate, Vatican City State
In approximately three weeks, the Jubilee will conclude and a special commemoration will begin: the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, who in 1223 created the first Nativity representation in Greccio, Italy. True peace is a gift from God and not only the result of human effort; it is also true that we are all called to embody it in a concrete way of life.
The Nativity scene has been designed and created by the Italian Diocese of Nocera. This is the place that inspires the depiction of Jesus’ birth this year, featuring characteristic architectural elements.
Furthermore, as this is such a special year due to the Jubilee of Hope, the scene includes elements that have already become familiar, such as the Holy Door and even ancient Roman roads.
The large Christmas tree this year stands 25 meters tall and comes from the Ultimo Valley in northern Italy.
In addition to this tree, other Italian regions have donated 40 smaller trees, which will be distributed throughout the Vatican—in various public spaces, offices, and buildings of the Holy See.
This very special lighting ceremony kicks off the countdown to celebrating in Rome and around the world the mystery of Christmas: the birth of the child Jesus.
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