Pope: The Nativity is a gift of light for our world in need of hope
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Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the Nativity scene as a symbol of hope during an Advent celebration at the Vatican with 'Living Nativity' participants.
As the second week of Advent nears its end, Pope Leo XIV continued a special tradition in Rome. At the Vatican, he greeted around 1,000 people participating in the “Living Nativity,” who will later proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
The Pope noted that the group traveled from various places to visit St. Peter’s tomb, a journey echoing the countless pilgrims who have come to the sacred site over generations. Following their meeting with Pope Leo, the group attended Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, also known as the “Bethlehem of the West” because it houses the Holy Crib.
Pope Leo emphasized the significance of the ancient relic. He explained that the crib, along with pilgrimages to the Holy Land, inspired Saint Francis to create the first “Nativity of Greccio” in 1223. This event marked the beginning of the Nativity scene tradition.
For over 800 years, people worldwide have continued the tradition of creating Nativity scenes.
**A Message of Hope**
The Pope reflected on the words of two of his predecessors regarding this Christmas symbol. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI described the Nativity as God's arrival without force, intended to “conquer pride, violence, and man’s craving for possession.”
In 2019, Pope Francis added that contemplating the Nativity scene invites us to spiritually embark on a journey.
