From Italy, Spain, England, and Brazil, thousands of tourists have passed through St. Peter's Square to see the Vatican's Christmas tree and Nativity scene.
MAN
It was a gift for us, that came from Brazil, to find this beauty here.
WOMAN
Being here at Christmas time is marvelous. This city is beautiful, it doesn't matter what street you are on, everything is beautiful.
WOMAN
So beautiful, we came from Sicily just to see it.
WOMAN
It's my first time here in Italy, so I'm really enjoying being here during Christmas time. It's really nice to see all the lights across the city and all the Christmas decorations.
At the base of the iconic obelisk in St. Peter's Square is this year's creche, which comes from the Italian Alps. Many were struck by the life-sized wooden figures.
As well as by the tree, illuminated by a spectacular light show and handmade ornaments.
WOMAN
I think it's beautiful, it's made of wood and from what I've been told it is hand-carved which is incredible to me, and the detail is amazing. It's beautiful.
WOMAN
The tree is gorgeous. Also from what we have heard, it's only natural that it is placed here, that the ornaments were made by people in a psychiatric center and the elderly, that also caught my attention.
WOMAN
Yes, it's really really pretty. I love all the lights and all the different colors on it. It's really nice Christmas spirit here in the Vatican City.
After two years of the pandemic the pilgrims in the Vatican are grateful for the return to normalcy and the opportunity to travel to Rome.
MAN
That's why we came to Italy, because Brazil had a very difficult time and we came here to the Vatican to give thanks.
WOMAN
It's a beautiful thing that we have rediscovered, something that maybe we lost, that we may not have realized before, but now we know the importance of breathing freely.
WOMAN
It's really nice, like being reborn, living again. Right Maria? Yes, say it! Yes, I feel great, and my aunt was able to come from Sicily.
These tourists say the pandemic has helped them rediscover the beauty in small things, like going out with their families to take in Christmas decorations.
CA
TR: JM
