Pope Leo to bless anti-abortion Nativity scene in the Vatican
A Nativity scene featuring a pregnant Virgin Mary and 25,000 ribbons is intended as a public testimony of the Vatican’s stance against abortion.
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.”
