24m Christmas tree hoisted into place at Vatican

The tree was felled in a wood called Bosco degli Abeti Soprani which lies in the Isernia province in Italy's Molise region.

It arrived in St Peter's Square at sunrise and it took workers several hours to unload it, trim the base, and position it next to the nativity scene which was still being prepared.

One local resident watching the proceedings commented: "Now we are really starting to feel Christmas, it's the first sign."

But another one was disappointed that the tree was real, saying: "I don't agree with this because they should have used a fake one to preserve forests."

The tree, which will be decorated with more than 2,000 Christmas balls, is due to be lit up on December 14 at a ceremony attended by Vatican and Molise region representatives.

Polish-born John Paul II began the tradition of erecting a tall Christmas tree in the square in 1982, and the Bavarian-born Pope Benedict XVI is continuing it.