In an audience held this December 15 at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV received the delegations that donated the nativity scene in the Paul VI Hall and the tree and nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, in an act that marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations in the Eternal City.

During his meeting with the donors, the Pope emphasized the spiritual value of these traditional symbols, highlighting that the Nativity scene reminds us that God draws near to humanity by coming into the world with the simplicity of a child, and that this humility invites us to seek moments of silence and prayer to find God in our lives.

Meaning of Christmas symbols

The Nativity scene adorning St. Peter’s Square comes from the Italian diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno and includes elements representative of the culture and history of that region. The Pope thanked all those who participated in its creation, highlighting how art can be a gateway to expressing the faith and cultural roots of each community.

Meanwhile, the red fir tree that stands in the square —brought from the forests of northern Italy— was described as a symbol of life and hope, especially in difficult times, with its foliage that remains green even in winter and its lights that evoke Christ as “light of the world”.

The Nativity scene installed in the Paul VI Hall, entitled Gaudium Nativity and donated from Costa Rica, includes thousands of colored ribbons that represent lives protected from abortion thanks to the prayer and support of Catholic organizations, a message that the Pope especially appreciated for its call in favor of the defense of life from conception.

A message of peace in a context of pain

Amid the festivities, the Holy Father also took a moment to remember the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, in which a Jewish community was attacked during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

Leo XIV expressed his sadness at this act of violence and issued a strong appeal for an end to anti-Semitic attacks worldwide, renewing his invitation to eliminate hatred from people’s hearts and to seek paths of reconciliation and solidarity among all peoples.

The Pope recalled that the Christmas season should inspire fraternity, peace and hope, especially for those living in circumstances of pain and conflict.