VATICAN CITY. While awaiting the inauguration with the switching on of the lights scheduled for this afternoon, Pope Francis received and greeted this morning in the Vatican the delegation from Grado, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, from whose territory the representation of the Nativity placed this year in the center of Piazza San Pietro, and that of Ledro, in Trentino from whose woods came the imposing spruce that stands there with its 29 meters of height. A delegation of a thousand people arrived from Trentino, 600 of whom from Val di Ledro. In the front row, president Maurizio fugatti, who managed to shake hands with the pontiff who passed in front in a wheelchair (see photo).
Among the civil and ecclesial authorities present, the president of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the president of the Province of Trento, the archbishop of Gorizia, the mayors of grado and Ledro, but also the special representatives of the president of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas (“he came many times!”, underlined the pope), who came for the inauguration of a “Nativity” in the Paul VI Hall created by the artisans of Bethlehem”.The majestic solemnity of the tree is striking – commented the Pontiff -. it, cut in compliance with the ecological principles of natural forest replacementbears the signs of many years, the numerous stratifications of the massive trunk, the old ones that have given life to the young ones, the young ones that have enveloped and protected the old ones, all rising together upwards”.
“It can be a beautiful image of the Church – he continued -, people and body, from which the light of Christ spreads throughout the world precisely thanks to the succession of generations of believers who gather around the single origin, Jesus: the ancient ones gave life to the young, the young embrace and protect the ancient, on mission in the world and on their way to Heaven. This is how the holy, faithful people of God go forward”.
“Then, in the shade of the large fir tree - the Pontiff said -, the nativity scene reproduces a ‘casone’ of the Grado lagoon, one of those fishermen’s houses that were built with mud and reeds and where the inhabitants of the ‘mote’, the small lagoon islands, shared, during the hard work of fishing, the joys and sorrows of everyday life”. This symbol also “speaks to us about Christmas, in which God becomes man to have a full part in our poverty, coming to build his Kingdom on earth not with powerful means, but through the weak resources of our humanity, purified and fortified by his grace.”
Regarding the Nativity scene,he also wanted to highlight that the “casoni” are surrounded by water and to go there “you need the ‘batela’,the typical flat-bottomed boat that allows you to move on the shallow waters”. “and also to reach jesus – he added – you need a boat: the Church is the boat. You cannot reach him ‘alone’,but together,in community,on that small-large boat that Peter continues to drive and on board of which,by narrowing down a little,there is always room for everyone”.
“In the Church there is always room for everyone – concluded Francis – Someone might ask: even for sinners? Especially for sinners! They are the privileged, Jesus came for sinners. In the Church there is room for everyone “.
Paccher was there to. After the press office of the provincial council sent videos and photos, the press office of the regional council also sent another different press release on the presence of President Paccher in Rome.
The press release: “St. Peter’s Square is dressed up with the arrival of the majestic Christmas tree, a symbol of hope and union. This year, standing out in the heart of Christianity, is an imposing 29-meter fir tree, coming from the valley of Ledro. A gift full of meaning, the result of a tradition that unites faith and territory.
The fir tree, weighing 5 tons, faced a long journey to Rome to be delivered to the Holy Father. The president of the Trentino-Alto Adige Regional Council also participated in the inauguration ceremony, which took place amidst emotion and solemn good wishes, Roberto Packerwho proudly underlined the value of this gesture: “Our tree represents a return to a great tradition. It is indeed a sign of sharing that Trentino offers to the whole world at a time when the message of peace and solidarity is more necesary than ever.”
the Trentino fir tree, decorated with elegance and sparkling lights, will illuminate St. Peter’s Square throughout the Christmas period, attracting thousands of faithful and tourists. an image with a strong impact that invites reflection on the authentic meaning of Christmas: not only a celebration, but also an possibility to rediscover the sense of community and generosity.”
How does Pope Francis promote interfaith dialog through the Nativity celebration?
Time.news Interview: Celebrating the Nativity in the Vatican
Editor (Emma Rios): Welcome to this special edition of Time.news, where we explore the importance of this year’s Nativity scene and the towering spruce that adorns St. peter’s Square. Joining us today is Dr. Antonio rossi, a theologian and ecologist who has been researching the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship. Thank you for being here,Dr. Rossi.
Dr. Antonio Rossi: Thank you, Emma. It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss this critically important occasion.
Editor: Today,we witnessed Pope Francis receiving the delegation from Grado and Ledro,celebrating the inauguration of the Nativity scene that represents both tradition and ecological responsibility. What can you tell us about the significance of these elements coming together?
Dr. Rossi: The combination of these traditions reflects a deep understanding of both spiritual heritage and ecological awareness. The tree, with its 29 meters of height, symbolizes not just the beauty of creation but also our responsibility to care for it. Pope Francis has emphasized sustainable practices, and the spruce was cut in alignment with natural forest management principles.
Editor: Absolutely, and it’s fascinating how Pope Francis connected the tree’s growth to the Church itself. He mentioned the generations of believers and how they protect one another. What does this metaphor mean for today’s faithful?
Dr. Rossi: The metaphor emphasizes community and continuity within the Church. It suggests that both older and younger generations have roles to play, much like the trees in a forest. The ancient trees,with thier rich history,give life to the young ones—they protect and nurture them as they grow. This analogy is powerful for the church, illustrating how faith and wisdom are passed down while also highlighting the active role of younger believers in fostering the community’s spirit.
editor: It’s a beautiful image indeed. We also saw a diverse group of dignitaries present, including representatives from Palestine.How does interfaith dialogue fit into this narrative of unity that the Pope is promoting?
Dr. Rossi: Interfaith dialogue is essential in our increasingly divided world. The presence of mahmoud Abbas’s representatives underlines a commitment to peace and collaboration across cultures and religions. The Nativity celebration is not solely a Christian event; it invites everyone to reflect on shared values of hope, love, and community, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
Editor: Definitely. The Pope emphasized the need for a unified mission with stronger ties between generations. In your view, how can faith communities go about strengthening these ties?
Dr. Rossi: It starts with inclusive practices—offering spaces where different generations can share experiences and learn from one another. Workshops, community service, and intergenerational programming can create opportunities for dialogue. Additionally, the Church can foster platforms for youth to engage with elders, allowing for mentorship and the sharing of wisdom, which helps build a resilient faith community.
Editor: Those are insightful suggestions. As we wrap up, what do you hope people will take away from the Nativity celebration this year, especially in light of its underlying messages?
Dr. Rossi: I hope that people will recognize the beauty of community—both in faith and nature. This celebration is a reminder that we are all interconnected, like the trees in a forest. It teaches us about stewardship—of both our environment and our relationships with one another. As we honor the birth of Christ, may we also commit to nurturing the world and each other.
Editor: Beautifully said, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s inspiring to see how a customary celebration like the nativity can carry such profound, contemporary relevance.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you, Emma. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important themes with you.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the intersections of faith, community, and environmental stewardship here on Time.news.