Pope Francis Removes Keffiyeh From Vatican Nativity Scene

A view of the life-size nativity scene, representing a traditional fishing house of the lagoon of Grado, northern Italy, that adorns St.Peter's Square at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo

Pope Francis oversaw his weekly general audience at the Vatican alongside a Nativity scene created by Palestinian artisans. The wooden Nativity scene initially featured a keffiyeh-draped manger holding the infant Jesus, which sparked attention upon its unveiling on Dec. 7. The presence of the keffiyeh, a symbol of the Palestinian cause, drew interest.

During the unveiling, Pope Francis prayed before the creche and greeted the artists and donors responsible for the Vatican's Christmas decorations. The Nativity scenes, crafted by Bethlehem-based artisans, included various depictions of the manger in a Bethlehem stable.

By the following week, the keffiyeh, manger, and infant Jesus had been removed from the Nativity scene, leaving only the figures of Mary and Joseph. While tradition dictates that the infant Jesus is placed in the manger on Dec. 24, the Christ figure had been displayed on Dec. 7 for the donors and artisans to see.

The keffiyeh sparked attention as a symbol of the Palestinian cause.

Pope Francis oversaw a Nativity scene with a keffiyeh-draped manger.

The Vatican Nativity scene was crafted by Palestinian artisans.

The keffiyeh, manger, and infant Jesus were later removed from the scene.

Pope Francis prayed before the creche and greeted the artists and donors.

The Vatican tradition displays the infant Jesus in the manger only on Christmas Eve.

A Palestinian official noted that the Vatican removed the keffiyeh without explanation, raising questions about its potential restoration on Dec. 24. The significance of the Jesus figure being wrapped in a keffiyeh was highlighted by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

During the encounter with Christmas donors, Pope Francis reiterated his call for an end to war, mentioning the suffering in the Holy Land and other conflict zones. He expressed solidarity with those affected by war and violence, urging for peace.

Francis has been vocal in his support for the Palestinian cause and has called for an investigation into Israel's actions in Gaza. The Vatican tradition of displaying the infant Jesus in the manger only on Christmas Eve was emphasized by Vatican officials.

Notably, two Palestinian children presented the pope with a “Bethlehem Star” award, symbolizing the hardships faced by Palestinian children amid the ongoing conflict. The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See refrained from commenting on the keffiyeh creche.

Overall, the Vatican's decision to remove the keffiyeh from the Nativity scene has sparked discussions about symbolism, tradition, and support for various causes, reflecting the complexities of the region's political and religious dynamics.