(ANSA) – Vatican City, November 17 – The traditional
Christmas crib and tree in St. Peter’s Square will be set up
early this year for the start of Pope Francis’ special Jubilee
Year of Mercy on December 8, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
   
This year’s tree is a red fir donated by Bavaria. It is due
to arrive in Rome between November 18 and 19. The crib is a gift
by the archdiocese and autonomous province of Trento, made up of
24 wooden figures set in rural scenes of northern Italy.
   
It presents two main groups: the nativity and three kings,
and another group of people dressed in traditional clothes from
the Dolomites. One of the figures is bending down to help an
elderly man, which is aimed as a symbol of mercy, the theme of
the Jubilee.
   
The tree is also set to be more colourful than usual: some
of the baubles decorating it have been made by children
undergoing hospital treatment during a creative therapy course,
and represent their dreams and hopes.