Pope thanks Italian cities for Christmas tree, crèche

December 19, 2014

Pope Francis received delegations from the Italian cities of Verona and Catanzaro in the Apostolic Palace on December 19 and thanked them for the gift of the Christmas tree and crèche in St. Peter’s Square.

The Christmas tree and Nativity scene recall “the mystery of the Incarnation, the only-begotten Son of God who became man to save us, and the light that Jesus brought to the world by his Nativity,” the Pope said. “But the manger and the tree touch the hearts of all,” even nonbelievers, “because they speak of fraternity, intimacy, and friendship.”

“He, the Messiah, became man and dwelt among us, to dispel the darkness of error and sin, bringing humanity his divine light,” the Pope added.

 

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Further information:

• Udienza alle Delegazioni da Verona e da Catanzaro per il dono del Presepio e dell’Albero di Natale in Piazza San Pietro (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope thanks Verona and Catanzaro for crib and tree (Vatican Radio)