74K views · 3.1K reactions | The Vatican Christmas tree has been placed in St Peter’s Square. This year, it’s a red fir tree, 29 meters high, from Ledro in northern Italy. In a press release in September, the Vatican said that the decision was made with sustainability in mind, and a “mature” tree had been selected. The tree will be inaugurated by Pope Francis on Saturday 7th December. That evening, the lights will officially be switched on. | Vatican News | Facebook

On Sunday morning, Pope Leo XIV visited the Vatican Grottoes to celebrate a private Mass near the tomb of Saint Peter. Following the Mass, the Pope spent time in silent prayer at the tombs of his predecessors. In his homily, the Pope—speaking first in English, then in Italian—reflected on the story of the Good Shepherd in the day's Gospel. Pope Leo also spoke of the universal call to proclaim the Gospel, urging the faithful: “Take heart! Don’t be afraid!” Acknowledging that the mission sometimes

91K views · 10K reactions | Pope Francis at Holy Mass on the third day of his 39th Apostolic Journey abroad: “We need to keep loving, always. This is Jesus’ way of giving glory to the God of heaven and building peace on earth.” https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2022/documents/20221105-omelia-bahrain.html | Vatican News | Facebook