The Vatican has been putting Christmas trees in St. Peter’s Square for 42 years, but this year’s Tannenbaum could land the church on the naughty list. Environmentalists have appealed to the pope to intercede and prevent the church from chopping down a 200-year-old fir tree that has been chosen as the highlight of the holiday decorations.

A local Italian group launched an online petition urging Pope Francis, the Vatican and others to stop the "fir tree-icide."

The petition has garnered widespread support. The proposal: Cutting down 40 fir trees for Christmas decoration The Vatican and the Municipality of Ledro have agreed to cut down 40 fir trees, some of which are centuries-old, with heights reaching up to 30 ...

There might not be a Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square this year. Although the Vatican had its eye on a majestic Norway spruce from northern Italy, this may not come to fruition. Residents of the mountain community of Ledro,