Pope Leo to bless anti-abortion Nativity scene in the Vatican
Gerard van Honthorst's painting "Adoration of the Infant Jesus". Photo: open sources
On December 15, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will bless a Christmas Nativity scene in the Vatican dedicated to the protection of unborn children. The installation will remain open to pilgrims throughout the entire Christmas season, Tribune Chrétienne reported.
The Nativity composition includes more than 25,000 ribbons, each symbolizing a baby saved from abortion. Before Christmas, the figure of the Virgin Mary will be depicted as pregnant, and on December 25 it will be replaced with the traditional statue of the Mother of God holding the Child.
According to the creator of the installation, the aim of the project is to remind the world of the value of human life from the moment of conception. The author explained that the topic is urgent: the pro-life movement faces pressure, while within the Catholic Church a growing number of voices support abortion.
The Vatican notes that the new Nativity scene differs sharply from controversial Christmas installations of previous years and is intended to highlight the beauty of nascent life. The blessing of Pope Leo XIV is seen as a symbolic gesture in defense of the unborn.
The Church reiterates that its position on abortion remains unchanged: the Catechism teaches unconditional respect for human life and defines abortion as morally impermissible.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Pope Leo XIV had called for “full, visible unity of all Christians.”
Read also
In France, disco with DJ booth on altar organized in RCC church
In France, a DJ performance was held at the altar in a Catholic church, presented as a charitable event with donations.
RCC diocese in California closing 13 parishes due to declining attendance
The Diocese of Oakland is closing 13 parishes due to declining attendance, priest shortage, and financial crisis amid lawsuits.
Athens hosts conference on threat of ecumenism to the Church
Monk Paisios Kareotis, Hieromonk Luke of Grigoriou and four theologians presented reports on the dialogue with the anti-Chalcedonians and the Council of Crete.
Israel acknowledges shelling of Greek Catholic monastery in Lebanon
The Israeli army acknowledged damage to a Greek Catholic order monastery in Yaroun, stating that the strike was not intentional.
UOC comments on court annulment of DESS “expert review”
The Legal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has rebutted DESS’s claim that the court did not overturn the conclusion of the religious expert review of the UOC Statute.
UOC hierarch holds memorial service for victims of Kulykove Pole tragedy
Memorial services were held at the Holy Dormition Monastery in Odesa for all those who died as a result of the tragic events of May 2, 2014.