Vatican unveils nativity scene featuring baby Jesus on a keffiyeh

Pope Francis unveiled the annual nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday which this year features baby Jesus laying on a Palestinian keffiyeh.

The scene, created by Palestinian artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi from Bethlehem, features a statue of baby Jesus crafted from olive wood – a symbol of Palestine – and incorporates materials such as mother-of-pearl, stone, ceramic, glass, felt and fabric.

Pope Francis has been outspoken in his criticism of the Israeli aggression on the besieged Gaza Strip, recently calling for an investigation into Israel’s genocide in the Strip.

During the unveiling ceremony, Pope Francis emphasised that the nativity scene serves as a poignant reminder of those enduring the tragedies of war in the Holy Land and beyond.

“Enough war, enough violence!” he declared while condemning the arms industry that profits from conflict and suffering.

READ: Houthis launch drone attacks against Israel and US ships