The petition, started by the Bearsandothers Association, urges Pope Francis, the Vatican Governorate, and local authorities to reconsider their decision and to protect the ancient trees. The petition has garnered widespread support. The proposal ...

The Vatican has been putting Christmas trees in St. Peter’s Square for 42 years, but this year’s Tannenbaum could land the church on the naughty list. Environmentalists have appealed to the pope to intercede and prevent the church from chopping down a 200-year-old fir tree that has been chosen as the highlight of the holiday decorations.

There might not be a Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square this year. Although the Vatican had its eye on a majestic Norway spruce from northern Italy, this may not come to fruition. Residents of the mountain community of Ledro,