Vatican’s First-Ever Pro-Life Nativity Scene Celebrates the Gift of Life

The official pro-life organisation of the archepharchy of Kalyan - Mumbai, committed to all human life from conception to death.

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Vatican’s First-Ever Pro-Life Nativity Scene Celebrates the Gift of Life

Vatican City — In a historic and deeply meaningful moment for the global pro-life movement, the Vatican has unveiled its first ever explicitly pro-life Nativity scene for the 2025 Christmas season. The Nativity scene, titled Nacimiento Gaudium (“Joyful Birth”), was presented on December 15, 2025 and carries a powerful message reaffirming the sanctity of every human life from conception to natural birth.

Created by Costa Rican sacred artist Paula Sáenz Soto with support from pro-life prayer ministry 40 Days for Life, the scene heralds a celebration of life made in the image and likeness of God. This year’s display is unprecedented in its pro-life symbolism and intention, and has been warmly received by pro-life advocates worldwide.

The centerpiece of the artwork is a depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary visibly pregnant, affirming that human life begins in the womb and reflecting the Church’s belief in the personal dignity of the unborn. The pregnant figure of Mary will remain in place until Christmas Day, when she will be replaced by a traditional statue of Mary adoring the newborn Christ Child, highlighting that every human life, including that of Jesus Himself, begins before birth.

Surrounding the scene are tens of thousands of colored ribbons, with each ribbon representing a baby saved from abortion through prayer, witness, and support offered by Catholic pro-life groups around the world. This visual testament vividly communicates that countless lives have been preserved through faithful advocacy and compassion for mothers in need.

Pope Leo XIV personally thanked Sáenz Soto and the contributing pro-life ministries during an audience on December 15, acknowledging that along with the message of peace central to Christmas, the artwork also makes a heartfelt appeal to protect life from conception. His words underscored the Church’s unwavering teaching on the dignity of every human person and the call to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

The Nativity scene is on display in the Paul VI Audience Hall throughout the Christmas season. Its installation not only enriches the Vatican’s traditional celebration of the Incarnation but also serves as a reminder to the faithful and to all visitors that life is a precious gift from our Creator, worthy of reverence and protection.

This year’s pro-life Nativity joins the broader Christmas celebrations inaugurated with the lighting of the Vatican’s towering Christmas tree and traditional Nativity in St. Peter’s Square, bringing hope, joy, and a renewed focus on the dignity of life during this holy season.