Christmas tree and nativity 'symbols of hope' - Pope

"In these days these Christmas symbols are placed in many homes, to the delight of adults and children. Let us make sure not to stop at the symbol, but to go straight to the meaning, that is Jesus," he said.

Italy has been reporting more daily COVID-19 fatalities than any other European nation in recent weeks and, while the increase in new cases and hospital admissions is slowing, the government is worried about gatherings over Christmas.