A vision of Nativity scenes in the Vatican

“The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder”, says Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter “Admirabile Signum” on the meaning and importance of the Nativity scene.  With his letter, Pope Francis wishes to encourage the beautiful tradition of preparing the Nativity Scene in the days before Christmas. 

In keeping with the tradition, various Vatican dicasteries have set up the Christmas cribs seen in the video to remind us of Jesus’ birth in a stable.

Saint Francis of Assisi created the first Nativity Scene in Greccio in 1223, three years after his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. On the first day of Advent 2019, Pope Francis visited the Shrine to celebrate the popular piety that points to a deeper reality: the Incarnation of the Son of God.