The Christmas Tree as “Ambassador” of the Territory

An “ambassador” of its homeland, of its culture and of the faith of the people of Lagundo and the Val d’Ultimo—and of the entire Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. This is what the Christmas tree, the spruce that this year is being gifted to Pope Leo XIV to be displayed in St. Peter’s Square, represents. It is a tradition that has been renewed for years, and the felling of the tree is not an act of offense toward nature, but rather as careful forest management where the selective removal of a tree ensures the health and growth of the forest. In this interview with [www.vaticanstate.va](http://www.vaticanstate.va), Bishop Ivo Muser of Bolzano-Bressanone reflects on its meaning.

A Sign of Friendship 

As a symbolic gesture of friendship between the Vatican City State and the Republic of Azerbaijan, a pomegranate tree was planted in the Vatican Gardens. The occasion was the visit of H.E. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of Azerbaijan.

Military history in defense of the Papacy  

For the Jubilee Year 2025, the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas, is presenting an extraordinary exhibition entitled “In Difesa del Papa.” [In Defense of the Pope]

 The Vatican Observatory Partners with Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute on Its Inaugural Gallery Exhibition, WONDER BOUND.

As announced by the Holy See Press Office Bulletin, on Wednesday, October 15, Pope Leo XIV appointed as Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago (United States of America), and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome (Italy).