A petition launched on Change.org is drawing attention to a controversial decision by the Vatican and the Municipality of Ledro (Trento) to cut down 40 fir trees, some of which are centuries old, to decorate St. Peter's Square and the Vatican for Christmas.

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.

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,