
The Vatican's Christmas display has drawn international attention after Pope Leo XIV publicly praised a pro-life Nativity scene depicting a pregnant Virgin Mary, framing it as a powerful symbol of life preserved from abortion.
The artwork, titled 'Gaudium', was donated by Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz Soto and unveiled during a Vatican audience on 15 December. Speaking to delegations involved in preparing the Christmas decorations, the pope thanked the artist for pairing the Christmas message of peace with a clear appeal to protect life from conception.