Uproar sparked after Pope Francis briefly prayed before the display while greeting the artists and sponsors responsible for this year's Vatican Christmas decorations, which were made by Bethlehem-based Palestinian artists. Those in attendance at the Nativity's unveiling included representatives of the Palestinian Embassy to the Holy See, Newsday reported.
When Pope Francis returned to the audience hall on Dec. 11 the keffiyeh, manger, and infant Jesus had been removed from the Nativity scene. The figures of Mary and Joseph, however, remained. While it's customary for the infant Jesus to be placed in the manger on Dec. 24, the day before Catholics celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ figure was reportedly positioned in the manger on Dec. 7 to showcase the completed product to the donors and artists present.
It's unclear when the keffiyeh was officially removed or if it will return to the display on Christmas Eve. A Palestinian official told the publication that the keffiyeh had been removed without explanation from the Vatican.
During the ceremony, Pope Francis called for an end to the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East and said: "Let us remember the brothers and sisters, who, instead, right there and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedy of war. With tears in our eyes, let us raise our prayer for peace. Brothers and sisters, enough war, enough violence."
Pope Francis has criticized both Israel and Hamas, condemning Israel's continued strikes and urging the release of Hamas hostages.
