Pope Francis met in the Paul VI Audience Hall with the delegations from Poland who donated the Christmas tree and representatives from the Abbey of Montevergine, who was in charge of the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square.
Children with cancer from various hospitals also attended. These little heroes took care of the tree decorations.
POPE FRANCIS
“The tree that is projected above invites us to ascend “to the highest gifts,” to ascend higher than the fogs of confusion, to experience the beauty and happiness of being immersed in the light of Christ. In the simplicity of the Nativity scene, we see and contemplate the tenderness of God, which is manifested in the baby Jesus.”
The pope appeared happy and expressed his gratitude numerous times for the gifts that will adorn the Vatican this Christmas.
POPE FRANCIS
“Thank you for your testimony, for making these Christmas symbols even more beautiful, so that pilgrims and visitors from all over the world can admire them. Thank you! Thank you! Tonight, when the lights of the Nativity scene and Christmas tree are lit, so too will be the wishes you all have passed on with your work decorating the tree. They will be bright, and everyone will see them. Thank you!”
Before leaving, Pope Francis chose to greet some of the thousands of pilgrims there, and he even received an interesting gift.
