A town near lake Garda on Friday
night formed a torch-lit vigil and ring around a much-loved
200-year old fir that is destined for the axe to be taken to
Rome as the traditional St Peter's Christmas Tree.
The citizens of Val di Ledro, 5,000 souls living 20 minutes from
Riva del Garda, are determined to save their beloved fir.
"This is a custom that must be overcome for the good of the
environment," they said in a statement.
"For this reason we make a heartfelt appeal to His Holiness to
spare our Green Giant."
A petition to save the tree has garnered over 50,000 signatures
on change.org.
The unusual campaign has made headlines worldwide.
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