The Christmas tree from Bolzano-Bressanone, set to illuminate St. Peter’s Square, stands as a beacon of faith, unity, and environmental care, inviting all to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Newsroom (21/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Each year, a towering spruce from the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone graces St. Peter’s Square, a cherished tradition symbolizing communion with the Universal Church. This Christmas, the tree hails from Lagundo and the Val d’Ultimo, embodying the faith, culture, and environmental stewardship of South Tyrol. In an exclusive interview, Bishop Ivo Muser of Bolzano-Bressanone reflects on the deeper meaning of this gift to Pope Leo XIV and its resonance with the Christian message.
Q: What is the deeper significance of gifting the Christmas tree to the Pope?
Bishop Muser: This tree is a tangible sign of our communion with the Holy Father and the Universal Church. Through this gift, the Val d’Ultimo, Lagundo, the Province of Bolzano, and our diocese express our spiritual and emotional bond with the Successor of Peter. It’s a way of saying, “We are with you, Pope Leo; we pray with you and share the joy of Christmas.” The tree becomes an ambassador of our land, culture, and faith, bringing a piece of our local Church to the heart of the global Church.
Q: How does this gesture connect to the Christian message of Christmas?
Bishop Muser: While the Christmas tree originates in Northern European tradition, the Church has imbued it with profound Christian meaning. The spruce, evergreen even in winter, symbolizes the triumph of life over death, evoking the “Tree of Life” from Genesis. Jesus, the new Adam, through His birth, death, and resurrection, restores humanity’s access to eternal life. The tree in St. Peter’s Square reflects this hope and renewal at the heart of Christmas.
Q: How can we celebrate Christmas in a way that respects the environment and recovers its spiritual essence?
Bishop Muser: A Christmas that honors Creation is a beautiful testimony of faith, which calls us to be stewards of God’s gifts. God entered the world in human form, in a specific time and place. Respecting this “materiality” means caring for Creation by avoiding waste and pollution. As Pope Francis warns, consumerism threatens the spirit. A truly faithful Christmas prioritizes meaningful relationships over material excess.
Q: Some question whether cutting a tree contradicts respect for nature. How would you respond?
Bishop Muser: I understand the concern, rooted in a genuine love for nature. However, this act is not disrespectful but part of careful forest management. Selective cutting ensures the forest’s health and growth. In South Tyrol, reforestation is a cornerstone of sustainable forestry—every tree felled is replaced with new plantings, securing resilient forests for future generations.
Q: How can the Church inspire young people to care for Creation?
Bishop Muser: Young people are essential protagonists in this mission. Their passion and concern for the future make them powerful witnesses. The Church must guide them to make responsible choices, moving beyond superficial “green” slogans to embrace Creation care as a response to God’s call. We need to foster a culture of stewardship, not disposal, encouraging authenticity and action.
Q: How does the local Church relate to the natural beauty of South Tyrol?
Bishop Muser: Believing in God the Creator means rediscovering awe for nature’s wonders. South Tyrol’s breathtaking landscapes make this easy, but it’s a gift that demands reverence. We must recognize limits to our actions and resist the urge to exploit Creation simply because we can. Living here is a privilege that calls for responsibility.
Q: What message do you hope the Christmas tree conveys to those who see it?
Bishop Muser: I hope this tree stirs wonder and reflection. We need people who are attentive, respectful, and ready to embrace sustainable, modest lifestyles—not demanding more, but living with moderation and gratitude. Let’s move away from the obsession with endless growth and profit, rediscovering praise for God, who embraces our humanity in the mystery of the Incarnation, symbolized by the Nativity and this tree.
- Raju Hasmukh with files form Vatican State.va
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