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The Vatican lights up! Ukraine flavours Christmas tree lighting

Published:Sunday | December 18, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Pilgrims and tourists gather around the 30-metre (98 feet) Christmas tree in St Peter's square at the Vatican, that was lit for the first time Friday, December 16. The tree was supplied by Ukraine. In the background is the St Peter's Basilica facade.
St Peter's Basilica is framed by the 30-metre (98-foot) Christmas tree that was lit for the first time at the Vatican.- Ap Photos
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VATICAN CITY (AP):Ukrainian pilgrims sang folk songs and carols and recalled the late Pope John Paul II's visit as the Vatican lit its Christmas tree in St Peter's Square, a 30-metre (100-foot) pine from the Carpathian mountains in their country.

The tree was decorated with 2,500 gold and silver balls and figures of animals and toys. The ceremony Friday evening included a folk choir with children carrying giant pinwheels, a Christmas tradition in Ukraine.

Polish-born John Paul began the tradition of erecting a tall Christmas tree in the square in 1982; the Bavarian-born Pope Benedict XVI has continued it.