The Vatican’s Christmas nativity display found itself under sudden scrutiny.
According to The Christian Post, the "Nativity of Bethlehem 2024" installation initially featured baby Jesus resting on a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf, which was later removed due to critical backlash.
The nativity scene, entitled "Nativity of Bethlehem 2024," first graced the Paul VI Hall on December 7. His Holiness Pope Francis participated in a prayer session before this display, which also coincided with a meeting involving the Christmas decor artists and benefactors.
This Christmas tableau was crafted by Palestinian artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi, hailing from Bethlehem. The creation was steered by the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine along with the Palestinian Embassy to the Holy See.
However, by December 12, the detailed scene featuring the keffiyeh was discreetly removed. Although The Associated Press confirmed its removal, the Vatican has not yet provided any explanation for this action.
The display faced criticism from various groups, including the American Jewish Committee and StopAntisemitism. They voiced concerns about the potential politicization of a religious tradition through the inclusion of the keffiyeh, a symbol often linked to Palestinian identity.
Here are remarks from the American Jewish Committee: “We are disappointed and troubled that a meaningful religious tradition has been politicized in this way.”
Further emphasizing the emotional strain, StopAntisemitism added, “The lies may shape-shift, but the centuries-old hatred towards the Jewish people continues.”
During the unveiling of the nativity scene, Pope Francis addressed a related yet broad theme involving the current wartime climate in the Holy Land. His Holiness spoke fervently against violence and the profit-driven weapons industry during an early December gathering with donors.
Here is a larger blockquote of Pope Francis affirming his stance: “Enough with wars, enough of violence!” Pope Francis further criticized, "You know that one of the most profitable investments is in the weapons industry? They earn money to kill. But why? No more wars!”
Meanwhile, around two months before the decoration presentation, a significant geopolitical event unfolded: Hamas took hostages on October 7, 2023, eliciting military backlash from Israel, which vehemently dismissed any implications of its actions being labeled as genocide. This adds layers to the ongoing conflict discussions, some of which had been referenced by Pope Francis in his condemnation of violence.
Amid these developments, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to talk about achieving peace in the turbulent region.
An anonymous Palestinian official expressed disappointment regarding the decision to remove the keffiyeh from the nativity scene but raised hope for possible reintegration of the symbol on December 24.
In conclusion, this incident reflects broader geopolitical tensions and concerns about religious symbolism's intersection with politics. It remains to be seen if the Vatican will reinstate the keffiyeh in the nativity scenery come Christmas Eve, marking either a reversal or continuation of their recent action.
