Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Holy Father to light six-ton Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square

Vatican City, Dec 18, 2009 / 11:18 am (CNA).- Friday afternoon at sunset, Pope Benedict XVI will flip a switch to turn on the Christmas lights adorning the 27 meter tall tree standing next to the nativity scene in the center of St. Peter's Square. The Pope met earlier in the day with those responsible for bringing the Christmas tree to the Vatican from the Belgian region of Wallonia.

The Pope thanked the delegation present at the audience, including the Economy Minister of Wallonia, the Belgian ambassador to the Holy See, Bishop Aloys Jousten of Liege and all others involved in the promotion of the project and the "delicate" transportation of the six-ton tree to its present location.

The tree that was brought to us from the "dark and shadowy" forest is now in the light and covered in decorations like "many marvelous fruits," Benedict remarked.

"Leaving behind its somber robe for a sparkling radiance. It has been transformed."

"It becomes the carrier of a light that is no longer its own but bears witness to the true Light that comes to the world," said the Pontiff, likening the tree to the shepherds at the birth of Christ.
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See also from EarthTimes, "Pope lights Vatican's 'eco-friendly' Christmas tree."

And from YouTube-Vatican's Channel:

Benedict XVI: The tree shows the path to Christ
December 18, 2009

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 5:41 PM