A magnificent 25-meter (about 88-foot) spruce from the province of Bolzano‘s Alpine forests now stands tall in the centre of St. Peter’s Square. The municipalities of Lagundo and Val d’Ultimo in northern Italy presented the tree, harvested from the valley of Ultimo which is a gesture steeped in faith, community and history.
Once more, the spruce has been placed next to the ancient Egyptian obelisk in the middle of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s 17th-century Baroque colonnade. Throughout the Christmas season, this towering evergreen will welcome pilgrims, tourists, and Romans alike. This tree stands as a symbol of optimism and holiday light in a hallowed and ancient location.
There is more lying under the decorative element of the tree. Bishop Ivo Muser of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone said the gift is a representation of the local church’s “spiritual and emotional bond” with the Pope and the entire worldwide Church. He highlighted that the individual takes on the role of a “ambassador” of their homeland, bringing a little of their culture, religion and sense of community to the centre of Vatican City.
Behind covered fencing beneath the tree, another 2025 festive favourite is taking shape. That is the nativity scene. This year’s show is being donated by the Italian Diocese of Nocera Inferiore‑Sarno (in Campania) and is aimed to highlight the region’s spiritual heritage and local traditions.
According to Bishop Giuseppe Giudice of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, the tree will feature items distinctive of the Agro nocerino-sarnese area, delivering a taste of Neapolitan Christmas tradition in the heart of Vatican City.
There will be a special public ceremony to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree and the unveiling of the Nativity scene on December 7. The tree will be accessible to everyone, including tourists, devout pilgrims and inquisitive guests, from the time of lighting until mid-January 2026, inviting them into a joyous setting of prayer, introspection and camaraderie.
The two gifts of the soaring tree from the Bolzano Mountains and a moving Nativity from Campania, reflects the essence of the Vatican’s Christmas season. A celebration that combines nature, tradition and spiritual devotion, unity across regions and a shared faith that transcends geography.
