As is customary during the festive season, a massive Christmas tree has been installed in St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) to celebrate the holy occasion of Christmas with grandeur and visual splendor. However, this gesture has drawn criticism from various media outlets and sparked widespread online debates. Critics have labeled the act as wasteful and superficial, arguing that it contradicts the true spirit of Christmas.
Tradition or environmental waste?
This question has become the focal point of a heated discussion in recent days. The association Bearsandothers sent a letter to the Pope, condemning the decision to uproot a tree over two centuries old. According to the organization, it would have been more ethical and aligned with anti-consumerist values to explore alternative solutions. They further argued that temporary festivities should not dictate Christmas celebrations, selfies with a decorated tree, or promotional purposes.
The mayor of Ledro, the town in the province of Trento (Trentino Alto Adige) from where the tree originated, explained that the forest where the tree was sourced is certified by PEFC, a globally recognized standard for Sustainable Forest Management. The tree was part of a larger project aimed at forest restoration, adhering to strict guidelines for sustainable growth.
The PEFC certification ensures that trees over a century old are felled only when necessary to meet ecological requirements and maintain the health and balance of the forest. The tree removal was therefore conducted as part of a responsible forestry management plan that considers annual growth rates and the proper cultivation of the woodland.
The entire operation cost €60,000, a sum that will be donated to charitable organizations to produce toys for children. Notably, the town of Ledro did not receive any financial compensation for the tree, making it a true gift to the Vatican.
In addition to the 29-meter-tall centerpiece, Ledro donated 39 other trees to decorate internal Vatican spaces, including offices and public areas.
The debate around the Christmas tree highlights the tension between preserving cherished traditions and adopting sustainable practices. While critics argue that the act sends the wrong message in an era of heightened environmental awareness, supporters maintain that the project adhered to ecological standards and was a meaningful gesture of goodwill for the festive season.
