The traditional Christmas crib and tree in St. Peter's Square will be set up early this year for the start of Pope Francis' special Jubilee Year of Mercy on December 8, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
This year's tree is a red fir donated by Bavaria. It is due to arrive in Rome between November 18 and 19. The crib is a gift by the archdiocese and autonomous province of Trento, made up of 24 wooden figures set in rural scenes of northern Italy.
It presents two main groups: the nativity and three kings, and another group of people dressed in traditional clothes from the Dolomites. One of the figures is bending down to help an elderly man, which is aimed as a symbol of mercy, the theme of the Jubilee.
The tree is also set to be more colourful than usual: some of the baubles decorating it have been made by children undergoing hospital treatment during a creative therapy course, and represent their dreams and hopes.
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