The Vatican's Christmas tree and Nativity scene will feature unique designs and decorations highlighting several issues close to Pope Francis, including care for the environment, the sick and migrants.

An 82ft spruce tree will be the centrepiece of the Vatican's Christmas holidays, the governing office of Vatican City said.

The tree will be harvested on November 13 in the Lagorai forest near Scurelle in the northern province of Trent and will benefit from a unique gesture in keeping with the Pope's call for the care of creation: Elementary school students "will plant nearly 40 new spruce and larch seedlings in a nearby area where some trees affected by parasites fell in autumn," the governing office said.