Activists urge Pope to abandon traditional Christmas tree tradition.

Ecologists against cutting down a 200-year-old fir tree for the Vatican

A group of ecologists from the Italian province of Trentino is protesting against the plan to cut down a 200-year-old fir tree, which is supposed to be the Christmas decoration for the Vatican. The tree is planned to be cut down and transported to Rome for installation in St. Peter's Square. (La Stampa)

The grand 'green beauty' stands 29 meters high. It is scheduled to be felled next week in the Ledro Valley and transported to the Vatican. The lighting ceremony is planned for December 9. However, local residents and environmental associations oppose this decision.

The fir tree grows in Val di Ledro, Passo Nota, at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level, near Lake Garda. Throughout its 200-year existence, it has witnessed many events and been a shelter for many. Now this grand tree is to be turned into a Christmas tree in the Vatican.

Over 40,000 people have already signed a petition to stop the felling of this fir tree. Local residents of Ledro are also planning a protest action and roadblocks to prevent the tree from being transported to Rome. Ecologists urge not to destroy such an ancient and symbolic tree, but to leave it in its natural environment.

This tradition of Christmas trees in the Vatican started in 1982. Every year, the tree is donated from different regions of Italy or other European countries. It becomes a source of pride for the local residents where the tree grew.

This conflict worries environmental activists and residents of Trentino. Hopefully, their protests will draw attention to this issue and compel the respectable faithful community to reconsider their plans for this tree.