As the holidays draw near, a town in Italy wakes up once more to showcase the world's largest Christmas tree made up of lights. This year, however, the annual tradition of illuminating Gubbio's pride is made more special because of the presence of no less than Pope Francis.
The world's biggest Christmas tree is actually not a tree; it is comprised of various lights decorating the slope of Mount Ingino, forming the shape of a tree. Standing 750 metres tall, it is a majestic display that the town boasts of, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
The pope was invited to light it up using a tablet with the switch that illuminates it. Before he touched the button, Pope Francis said, "I wish you a very holy and happy Christmas." He added, "A Christmas without light, isn't Christmas. We need light in our soul, in our hearts, as we need to forgive others and ensure that there are no enemies, because this brings shadows. We want the light of Jesus that is so beautiful."
The slope of Mount Ingino radiated as the pope touched the button that made millions of lights along its slope come to life. The sight was so beautiful that it awed everyone who was there to witness the event.
Lucio Constantini, president of the Tree Committee, couldn't be more proud. "The tree is the biggest in the world and we have been placing it on the side of Mount Ingino which overlooks Gubbio, since 1981. It entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 1991.. It is a very impressive structure."