Mr. Antonio Percario, Membre d’Honneur, Skal International, met Pope Francesco on the occasion of the inauguration of the Christmas tree and crib in St. Peter’s Square with the switching on of the lights.

The pine tree is traditionally donated to the Vatican City by different Italian mountain regions and/or from northern Europe where these trees grow luxuriantly and of considerable heights. Their transport involves special wheeled vehicles and their installation in the exhibition areas requires attention and skill.

The donators compete in supplying the pine tree to the Vatican or to the major Italian cities every year.

The 2022 tree was donated by the Municipality of Rosello in the Abruzzo region, while the nativity scene by the municipality of Sutrio in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region

Pope Francis said the tree teaches us the roots; the crib invites us to contemplation.

The nativity scene and the tree in St. Peter’s Square will stay on display until the end of the Christmas season, which coincides with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday 8 January 2023.

Antonio Percario, born in Rosello, seen in the picture with Alessio Monaco, Mayor of Rosello.

It was Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sister Raffaella Petrini, respectively president and general secretary of the Governorate of Vatican City State, who inaugurated the nativity scene and lit up the Christmas tree.

For the artistic crib – made entirely of wood – the President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Massimiliano Fedriga, and the Mayor of Sutrio, Manlio Mattia were present.

At the lighting of the Christmas tree, also the bishop of Trivento, monsignor Claudio Palumbo, and the mayor of Rosello, Alessio Monaco.