Italy's 'Green Giant' stirs Vatican Christmas tree debate
In St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, a Christmas tree will again stand in keeping with the tradition started by St. John Paul II. The 200-year-old "Green Giant" from Ledro Valley, Italy, could not be preserved. The Vatican explains that the tree was chosen for ecological reasons, stating, "It would have been cut down anyway."
The tradition of the Christmas tree at the Vatican began in 1982, during the pontificate of St. John Paul II. Since then, every year, a fir or spruce originating either from an Italian region or another European country has been donated to the Vatican.
This year, a 29-metre tall fir from the Ledro Valley in Italy will be placed in St. Peter's Square. The 200-year-old tree was quickly nicknamed the "Green Giant" by locals.
"Anachronistic tradition"
Several ecological associations in Trentino opposed this plan. They wrote an open letter to Pope Francis, asking him to stop what they described as an "anachronistic tradition" and a "pointless sacrifice." Over 50,000 people signed the letter.
The letter reminded the Pope, who often criticizes those who deny the climate crisis, that some of his encyclicals focus on environmental protection.
"It is inconsistent to talk about fighting climate change and then maintain traditions that require cutting down such an ancient and symbolic tree," the letter stated.
Protests without effect
Over the weekend, residents of the Ledro Valley held a vigil at the fir intended for felling.
Neither the protests nor the petition from ecological associations and local residents achieved the desired effect. The fir, weighing over five tonnes, was cut down on Monday, without further protests, and will soon be transported to Rome.
Vatican governor: The tree would have been cut down anyway
The lighting of the Christmas tree will take place during a ceremony on December 7th, the Vatican State Governorate announced on Tuesday.
The statement emphasized that the choice of this specimen was driven not only by aesthetic values but was also "responsible from an ecological perspective."
The Vatican explained that "the cutting of the tree ensures the natural turnover of the forest for the coming decades." As noted, the forests in this territory are managed "in line with the most stringent environmental, social, and economic requirements."
The fir, as assured by the Vatican, comes from areas designated for felling to ensure "proper forest management." As noted by the governor, this means that the tree would have been cut down anyway.
Source: PAP, theguardian.com
