Vatican's Christmas tree plan sparks outcry over climate impact
This year, a Christmas tree might not appear in St. Peter's Square. Although the Vatican had already considered a majestic Norway spruce from northern Italy, it may not happen. The residents of the mountain community of Ledro, where the 200-year-old tree, measuring 98 feet, was found, are firmly against cutting it down.
7:33 AM EST, November 13, 2024
The Ledro community has issued a special petition to Pope Francis. 40,000 people have already signed the appeal on the Change.org platform. "In a historic moment when climate change is rapidly evolving, clear and strong signals must be sent to change our approach to respecting nature," states the petition on the portal "Bild".
Ledro residents appeal 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 98 feet in height. The trees are to be transported by helicopter to the Vatican, costing society about $63,000. All of this "for short-term use, for advertising purposes, and for a few silly selfies."
"In Italy alone, over three million Christmas trees are cut down each year during Christmas, and in North America, between 25 to 30 million," opponents point out. The petition's authors emphasized that the Christmas tree is a pagan tradition and has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. They argue that this is reason enough to abandon the decision.
Opposition to "useless massacre"
"We oppose this useless massacre," declare the committees and associations quoted by "Bild." "It makes no sense to talk about the damage caused by climate change if we continue to maintain customs like these, which call for the death of an ancient fir, a symbol of the many trees cut down each year in Italy and worldwide for an event where the tree is not even a symbol."
The initiators of the idea emphasize that they would like to see this splendid spruce adorned 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.
