Vatican's Christmas tree plan sparks environmental outcry
There might not be a Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square this year. Although the Vatican had its eye on a majestic Norway spruce from northern Italy, this may not come to fruition. Residents of the mountain community of Ledro, where a 200-year-old tree measuring approximately 30 metres was found, are firmly saying "no" to its felling.
The Ledro community has sent a special petition to Pope Francis. On the platform "change.org," the appeal has already been signed by 40,000 people. "In this historic moment, where climate change is rapidly evolving, clear and distinct signals must be given to change our approach to respecting nature," reads the petition as cited by the portal "Bild."
The residents of Ledro are appealing to Pope Francis, asking him to block this "blasphemous decision" to cut down 40 fir trees, some of which are hundreds of years old and reach up to 30 metres tall. The trees are to be transported by helicopter to the Vatican, which will cost the community about CAD 90,000. And all this for "short-term use, for promotional purposes and a few silly selfies."
"In Italy alone, over three million Christmas trees are cut down during the holiday season, and in North America, between 25 and 30 million," opponents point out. The petition's authors emphasize that the Christmas tree is a pagan tradition and has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. They argue this is a sufficient reason to abandon the decision.
Opposition to "useless massacre"
"We oppose this useless massacre," state committees and associations quoted by "Bild." "There is no point in talking about the damage caused by climate change if we continue to maintain customs that call for the death of centuries-old fir trees, symbols of the millions of trees cut down each year in Italy and worldwide in the name of an event that the tree is not even a symbol of."
The initiators of the idea emphasize that they would happily see this magnificent spruce decorated in the place where it has grown for 200 years. "In recent years, many young people have developed a different approach to nature and actively support us," add the petition's authors.
