Giant Christmas tree unveiled in St Peter's Square

VATICAN CITY (AFP) - A giant Christmas tree was unveiled in St Peter's Square on Thursday, as the Vatican prepares for a more frugal holiday season than usual following a scandal over expenses.

The majestic tree was given to Pope Benedict XVI by the small town of Pescopennataro in the Molise region in central Italy, and comes from a forest known as the Copse of the Sovereign Firs.

The municipality has also given Rome a second towering tree to be erected near the ancient Roman Colosseum.

The lights in St Peter's Square will be turned on by the pontiff on Dec 14 as the Vatican gears up for one of Christianity's biggest festivals.