Pope Leo Thanks Artist for Pro-Life Nativity at Vatican

Vatican, Dec 18, 2025: Pope Leo expressed his gratitude to Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz Soto for donating a pro-life Nativity scene to the Vatican titled “Gaudium” (“Joy”), which portrays the Virgin Mary as pregnant.

During an audience held on December 15 with the delegations responsible for this year’s Christmas tree and Nativity scenes at the Vatican, the pope acknowledged the significance of the artwork. “I thank the Costa Rican artist who, along with the message of peace of Christmas, also wanted to make an appeal for protecting life from conception,” he said.

The Nativity scene from Costa Rica has been displayed since December 15 in the Paul VI Audience Hall, where the pope is currently conducting his Wednesday general audiences to spare pilgrims from the cold winter weather in St. Peter’s Square.

In his remarks, the Holy Father referred to the artistic elements of the piece, noting the presence of 28,000 brightly coloured ribbons. These ribbons represent lives saved through the assistance offered by Catholic organisations to pregnant women facing vulnerable circumstances.

“The scene depicts a life saved from abortion thanks to prayer and the support provided by Catholic organisations to many mothers in difficult circumstances,” Pope Leo said.

The Nativity scene set up in St. Peter’s Square, meanwhile, comes from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, among the oldest dioceses in Italy. Its roots trace back to the third century, when the ancient Roman city of Nuceria Alfaterna, located in the Sarno Valley, already had an established Christian community.

“I thank you for this artistic work that incorporates characteristic elements of your territory,” the pope said, pointing out that the traditional Nativity includes a replica of the sixth-century baptistery of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the best-preserved structures of its kind in Italy.

The pope underlined that the Nativity scene will serve as a reminder to pilgrims from across the world that “God draws near to humanity, entering into our history in the vulnerability of a child.”

“In the poverty of the cave in Bethlehem, we contemplate a mystery of humility and love,” he reflected. He also drew attention to the figure of the Virgin Mary, describing her as “a model of adoring silence,” who keeps and reflects upon all that she has lived through in her heart. At the same time, he noted that the shepherds glorify God and proclaim what they have witnessed, stressing the “need to seek moments of silence and prayer in our lives.”

Speaking about the Christmas tree, the pope said that the large fir tree represents “a sign of life and a reminder of the hope that does not fade even in the cold of winter.”

He added that the lights decorating the tree symbolise “Christ, the light of the world,” who comes to “dispel the darkness and guide our path.” Alongside the main fir tree, forests in South Tyrol have also donated several smaller trees to the Vatican, which will be placed in offices, public areas, and different parts of Vatican City.

Source: Catholic News Agency