Christmas has arrived at the Vatican, transforming Vatican City into a place of light, beauty, and reflection as pilgrims and tourists gather to experience the season’s traditions.

St. Peter’s Square has been filled with festive symbols, including a life-size Nativity Scene, an 80-foot-tall Christmas tree, and the return of the international exhibition “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican.” Now in its eighth edition, the exhibition features 132 Nativity scenes from 23 countries, displayed beneath the left-hand colonnade of Bernini as part of the cultural initiative “Jubilee is Culture.”

Visitors from around the world paused to admire the craftsmanship on display. Kim Alicandro, a tourist from Boston, said she was especially moved by the variety of expressions of the Nativity.

“I think it’s beautiful. When I heard about it, the 100 nativity scenes, I was most excited to come here and go one by one and see the different countries and the different artisans who made these nativity scenes,” she said.

Nearby, Terry Weasey, visiting from Orlando, shared his sense of surprise at encountering the exhibition.

“I’m amazed. It was a surprise. We didn’t know that we were going to come upon it. So it’s been very interesting just to see the talent,” he said.

A Nativity Scene of Catechesis and Communion

At the heart of the square stands this year’s central Nativity Scene, donated by the Italian Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno. The scene honors Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori, known throughout Italy for composing the beloved Christmas carol “Tu scendi dalle stelle”—“From starry skies descending.”

Reflecting on the spiritual meaning of the display, Bishop Giuseppe Guidice of the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno emphasized the Nativity’s catechetical role.

“The Nativity scene is a beautiful page of catechesis, a page also of ecclesiology — that is, where each person is in his or her proper place, but the center is the Lord,” the bishop said.

For those involved in creating the Nativity, this year’s installation carries particular emotional weight. Alfonso Maria Pagliuca, head of Seria Pubblicità, noted its historic significance.

“The emotions one feels, the sentiment experienced before a Nativity scene during the 2025 Jubilee Year, the first Nativity scene of our new Holy Father, Leo, the emotions are truly many,” he said. “What I can certainly say is that we have been active for 43 years, and this is the most important work we have ever carried out to date, and it will probably remain so forever.”

Pope Leo XIV: Signs of Faith and Hope

Ahead of the official inauguration of the Nativity Scene and Christmas tree, Pope Leo XIV met with the donors inside the Paul IV Audience Hall, which also houses a Nativity Scene from Costa Rica highlighting a pro-life message. During the encounter, the Holy Father stressed that these Christmas symbols point beyond themselves.

“Dear brothers and sisters, the Nativity scene and the Tree are signs of faith and hope; as we contemplate them in our homes, in parishes and squares, we ask the Lord to renew in us the gift of peace and fraternity,” the Pope said.

The inauguration took place on December 15, as locals and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square awaiting the lighting of the tree.

Expressing her anticipation, Lina said, “Well, of course I’m excited. And this year is going to be special because I’m here and just waiting for the lights to come out. It’s beautiful.”

Sharn, watching the light fade over the square, added, “Very pretty, amazing with the light going down so we’re really excited for the lights to turn on. Aren’t we?”

For Lily, the evening surpassed all expectations. “It totally exceeded my expectations, it’s lively, really pretty, Christmas lights everywhere, I love it!” she said.

An 80-foot fir tree, sourced from the Val d’Ultimo area in the province of Bolzano in northern Italy, now stands at the center of St. Peter’s Square. The tradition of placing a Christmas tree in the Vatican began in 1982 with Saint John Paul II, symbolizing unity between the Vatican and different European regions.

As Advent draws to a close, the Vatican—together with the universal Church—prepares to celebrate Christmas, inviting the faithful and visitors alike to keep their hearts open to welcome the birth of Jesus.

Adapted by Jacob Stein. Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy; Camera by Alberto Basile, Andrea Gallo; Video edited by Ilaria Chimenti