From Palestine to the Vatican: A Nativity Scene Adorns Paul VI Hall, Crafted by Artisans from BethlehemAs
the Christmas season approaches, the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall unveiled a
Nativity scene, meticulously crafted by Palestinian artisans from
Bethlehem. Organized under the auspices of the Higher Presidential
Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine and the Embassy of the State
of Palestine to the Holy See, with the oversight by Dar al-Kalima
University and the Piccirillo Center.
The ceremony was presided
over by His Holiness Pope Francis, who was joined by Dr. Ramzi Khouri,
PLO executive committee member and head of the Higher Presidential
Committee for Church Affairs.
Dr. Khouri conveyed warm
greetings from the Palestinian people, President Mahmoud Abbas and
members of the Higher Presidential Committee. He expressed deep
gratitude for the Pope’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause
and his tireless efforts to end the war on Gaza and promote justice.
In a symbolic gesture, two
Palestinian children presented the Pope with the “Star of Bethlehem”
plaque, reflecting the pain and resilience of Palestinian children
suffering from the war, famine, and devastation in Gaza.
Pope Francis used the
occasion to call attention to Bethlehem’s sacred Nativity sites,
emphasizing their message of peace and love. “Despite their
differences,” he remarked, “all Nativity scenes embody the universal
message of hope and goodwill left to us by Jesus.”
His Holiness issued a heartfelt appeal:
“Enough with wars! Enough
of violence! Do you know that one of the most profitable industries is
the arms trade? Profit made for the purpose of killing—how can this be?
Enough with wars!” He reiterated his strong condemnation of the arms
industry that thrives on war and death.
The Pope also remembered
all those suffering from the scourge of war worldwide, stating, “With
tears in our eyes, we lift our prayers for peace. Let there be no more
wars, no more violence. May peace reign across the world and touch every
heart beloved by God.”
The 10-foot-tall Nativity
Scene aims to draw global attention to the Holy Land, where conflict and
sorrow persist. It features the Holy Family carved from olive wood,
with the Christ Child laid upon a Palestinian keffiyeh. A
mother-of-pearl Star of Bethlehem adorns the scene, inscribed in Arabic
and Latin with the message: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, goodwill toward men.”
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