Pope Francis Inaugurates Nativity Scene with Palestinian Keffiyeh

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Leader of the Holy See Vatican, Pope Francis , on Saturday inaugurated the annual Nativity scene in the Vatican. This year, the Pope sent a strong message to Israel, by displaying a baby Jesus wrapped in a Palestinian keffiyeh, Vatican News reports as cited by HuffPost on Monday, December 9, 2024.

This symbol is seen as highlighting the Holy Family's relationship with Bethlehem, which is a touching tribute to the Palestinian struggle. Created by a Palestinian artist from Bethlehem, the scene includes the Star of Bethlehem written in Latin and Arabic with the words: 'Glory to God in the Highest, and peace on earth, goodwill to all.'

The Holy Family figures are carved from olive wood, further connecting the display to its place of origin. The Nativity scene was created in collaboration with the Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, the Palestinian Embassy to the Vatican, Dar Al-Kalima University, and the Beitcharilo Center.

During the inauguration, Pope Francis was accompanied by Ramzi Khouri, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Head of the Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs. During the ceremony, Pope Francis was reported to have given the Star of Bethlehem to two Palestinian children, representing the committee, as a symbol of the hardships faced by Palestinian children today.

After the inauguration, a Mass for peace and a ceasefire in Palestine was held at the Chapel of the Angels, led by Ibrahim Faltas, Deputy Custodian of the Holy Land. The Pope, who has been vocal about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, used the event to reiterate his call for peace.

'Enough war, enough violence!' he said. 'Do you know that one of the most profitable industries here is the manufacturing of weapons? Profit from murder. Enough war! As tears well up in our eyes, we pray for peace, so that peace may reign throughout the world and for all those loved by God.'

At the event, the Pope then called on his listeners to 'remember brothers and sisters, who, there [in Bethlehem] and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedies of war,' according to Times of Israel.

The Pope also reflected on the broader symbolism of the Vatican's Christmas display during his address to the delegations that contributed to the decorations for St. Peter's Square and the Paul VI Hall.

Speaking about the Nativity scene of Jesus' birth from Bethlehem, he emphasized the universal message of peace and love rooted in the story of Jesus' birth.

'This Nativity scene of Jesus' birth reminds us of those who, in the land where the Son of God was born, continue to suffer from the tragedies of war,' he said, expressing his hope for violence to end soon.

Pope Francis has faced criticism from pro-Israel figures for his outspoken statements about the Gaza conflict. He recently called for an investigation into whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, while also condemning the deaths of children and the destruction of churches in Gaza.

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