For epidemiological reasons, the cultural programme accompanying the lighting of the Christmas tree was recorded in the studio of RTV Slovenia and will be broadcast on a big screen set up in the square. The festive day in the Vatican will begin with a mass for the homeland and an audience with Pope Francis then continue at 5 p.m. with a ceremony attended by VIP guests.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia financed the purchase of the spruce and 42 other decorative trees and their transport from Slovenia to St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The Slovenian Christmas tree comes from forests that hold the FSC certificate granted by an independent, non-governmental and non-profit organisation promoting sustainable and responsible forest management.

The erection of a Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square is an internationally acclaimed Vatican project: the annual installation of the Christmas tree, and consequently the country that donates it, draws great attention from a global public.