The Nativity display, located in the Vatican’s main audience hall, had attracted attention upon its debut on December 7 due to the incorporation of the keffiyeh, a black-and-white checked scarf recognized as a significant emblem of the Palestinian struggle.
On the day of the unveiling, Pope Francis had offered a brief prayer in front of the creche while greeting the artists and benefactors responsible for this year’s Christmas decorations in the Vatican. These decorations illustrated various representations of the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem, where he was said to have been born.
This year’s Nativity scenes were crafted by artisans from Bethlehem, with attendees including representatives from the Palestinian Embassy to the Holy See, alongside special emissaries from Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, present for the initial showing of the display.
When Pope Francis returned to the audience hall on Wednesday, the keffiyeh along with the manger and the infant Jesus had been absent from the scene, and only the figures of Mary and Joseph remained. It is customary for the figure of Jesus to be placed in the manger only on December 24, coinciding with the Catholic celebration of his birth, and it is usual for the mangers to be left empty until that time.
The infant was initially placed in the manger on December 7 for showcase purposes while the artists and donors were visiting. A Palestinian official indicated that the Vatican had taken off the keffiyeh without providing any explanation, leaving it uncertain whether it would be reinstated for Christmas Eve. This official remained anonymous as they were not authorized to speak with the press.
According to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, the depiction of the Jesus figure wrapped in a keffiyeh during the unveiling carried a significant message.
During his interaction with the Christmas donors, Pope Francis reiterated his reference to “martyred Palestine” and called for an end to conflict, reminding everyone of the ongoing plight faced by Christians in the Holy Land, including Bethlehem. “Let us remember the brothers and sisters who, instead, right there and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedy of war,” he implored. “With tears in our eyes, let us raise our prayer for peace. Brothers and sisters, enough war, enough violence!”
The Pope has publicly urged for Hamas to release hostages captured during the conflict on October 7, 2023, but he has also expressed support for the Palestinian plight. His remarks calling for an investigation into whether Israel’s strikes in Gaza amounted to genocide had sparked considerable controversy.
Two children from Palestine presented the Pope with a “Bethlehem Star” award, which WAFA described as a poignant reminder of the distress and hardship that Palestinian children are facing during the ongoing conflict and blockade in Gaza.
The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See opted not to comment on whether any objections were raised regarding the keffiyeh nativity or its removal. Vatican officials recounted traditional procedures that stipulate the infant Jesus is to be placed in the manger solely on Christmas Eve.
Ramzi Khoury, a member of the PLO executive committee present at the unveiling, expressed deep appreciation for what he termed the Pope’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, as well as his relentless efforts to advocate for justice and peace in Gaza, as noted by WAFA.
Coincidentally, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican on Thursday.