From inside the Vatican, Pope Francis pressed a button on the screen of his tablet to trigger the illumination of a Christmas tree in the medieval Italian town of Gubbio.

Gubbio is home to the largest Christmas tree formed with lights, in the world. At 750 meters high, kilometres of lights are needed to drape over the side of Mount Ingino to form the shape of the tree.

"I wish you a very holy and happy Christmas," the Pope said, just before the illumination.

"I hope there is light in your hearts, in your families and in your city. And now with that wish, we will turn on the lights."

As the Pope pressed the button on his tablet, millions of lights started to shine, showing the form of the Christmas tree overlooking Gubbio. The audience gasped and applauded as a fanfare struck up in the background.

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