Nativity scenes and Christmas tree arrive at Vatican

Pope prays before the Nativity of Bethlehem 2024

Source: Vatican Media

On Saturday afternoon Pope Francis received in audience the delegations that have gifted this year's Nativity Scenes and Christmas Tree to the Vatican.

The Crib in St Peter's Square was crafted in the city of Grado, in the northern Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The majestic 29-meter spruce tree came from the forests of Ledro, in the Trentino Region.

Representatives from the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Holy See attended the inauguration of the 'Nativity of Bethlehem 2024' in the Paul VI Hall.

Reflecting on the towering Christmas tree, which he noted was harvested according to to ecological principles for natural forest regeneration, Pope Francis highlighted its deeper spiritual meaning. With its interwoven old and young branches reaching skyward, he said, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the Church: "a people and a body through which the light of Christ spreads into the world, thanks to the succession of generations of believers united around a single source: Jesus."

Turning to the Nativity scene displayed in Saint Peter's Square, modelled after a traditional 'casone' from the Grado Lagoon, Pope Francis, observed that these humble fisherman's huts, built with simple materials like mud and reeds, speak to us of Christmas, "when God became man to fully share in our poverty, building His Kingdom on earth not with powerful means but through the humble resources of our humanity, purified and strengthened by His grace."

He also drew a parallel between the 'batella,' the typical flat-bottomed boats used for navigating the lagoon and the Church as a vessel leading people to Christ. This boat tells us that Jesus cannot be reached "alone, but together, in community, aboard that small yet great vessel that Peter continues to guide, where there is always room for everyone, as long as we come together," he said.

Finally, turning to the Nativity scene crafted in Bethlehem, Pope Francis remarked that it reminds us of our brothers and sisters who suffer the tragedy of war in the Holy Land and other parts of the world, and once again invoked peace. "Enough with wars, enough of violence!", he pleaded, reiterating his strong condemnation of the arms industry that thrives on war and death.

The 'Nativity of Bethlehem 2024' displayed in the Paul VI Hall, was designed by two artists from Bethlehem, Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi. The main structure is three meters tall, consisting of a circular base with shelves displaying various nativity scenes, and, at the top, the famous Star of Bethlehem.

The representation blends centuries-old traditions of local artisans with contemporary elements. The materials used include iron for the main structure, olive wood for the statues of the Holy Family and other depictions, as well as mother-of-pearl, stone, ceramic, glass, felt, and fabric. The figure of Baby Jesus is wrapped in a keffiyeh Palestinian scarf. During the preparation, collection, and construction of the artwork, the artists collaborated with several local Christian institutions.

The inauguration of the Christmas tree and Nativity in St Peter's Square was presided over by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sister Raffaella Petrini, respectively the president and secretary-general of the Governorate of Vatican City State. Participants in the ceremony included Bishop Carlo Roberto Redaelli of Gorizia and Bishop Lauro Tisi of Trento; the mayors of Grado and Ledro and the president of the Province of Trento.

Watch a report on the inauguration ceremony on the Vatican Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT_gIBdT8mE&t=998s