Pope thankful for pro-life Nativity scene that \u2018represents a life preserved from abortion\u2019 Pope Leo XIV on Monday thanked Costa Rican artist Paula S\u00e1enz Soto for donating a pro-life Nativity scene to the Vatican, named \u201cGaudium\u201d (\u201cJoy\u201d), which features a pregnant Virgin Mary. \u201cI thank the Costa Rican artist who, along with the message of peace of Christmas, also wanted to make an appeal for protecting life from conception,\u201d the pope said during the audience he granted Dec. 15 to the delegations that prepared this year\u2019s Christmas tree and Nativity scenes that will adorn the Vatican during the Christmas season. The artwork from the Central American country has been on display since Dec. 15 in the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, the large hall where the pope is now holding his Wednesday general audiences so pilgrims don\u2019t have to endure the cold temperatures of the Roman winter in St. Peter\u2019s Square. In his address, the Holy Father alluded to its composition, mentioning the 28,000 colorful ribbons that symbolize lives saved thanks to the support provided by Catholic organizations to pregnant women in vulnerable situations. \u201cThe scene depicts a life saved from abortion thanks to prayer and the support provided by Catholic organizations to many mothers in difficult circumstances,\u201d Pope Leo XIV noted. The decorations in St. Peter\u2019s Square \u2014 which were unveiled Monday afternoon \u2014 have an Italian touch. The chosen tree comes from Val d\u2019Ultimo, one of the most picturesque and lesser-known valleys of South Tyrol in Italy. Meanwhile, the Nativity scene in St. Peter\u2019s Square comes from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, one of the oldest in Italy: Its origins date back to the third century, when Nuceria Alfaterna \u2014 the ancient Roman city in the Sarno Valley \u2014 already had an organized Christian community. \u201cI thank you for this artistic work that incorporates characteristic elements of your territory,\u201d the pope said, noting that this traditional Nativity scene includes a reproduction of the sixth-century baptistery of St. Mary Major Basilica, one of the best-preserved in the country. The pope emphasized that this work will be a reminder for pilgrims from all over the world that \u201cGod draws near to humanity, entering into our history in the vulnerability of a child.\u201d \u201cIn the poverty of the cave in Bethlehem, we contemplate a mystery of humility and love,\u201d the pope reflected. He also highlighted the figure of the Virgin Mary \u201cas a model of adoring silence,\u201d who treasures in her heart all that she has experienced, while the shepherds glorify God and share what they have seen and heard. In this regard, he emphasized the \u201cneed to seek moments of silence and prayer in our lives.\u201d Regarding the Christmas tree, the pontiff said the large fir tree \u201cis a sign of life and a reminder of the hope that does not fade even in the cold of winter.\u201d The lights that adorn it, he added, symbolize \u201cChrist, the light of the world,\u201d who comes to \u201cdispel the darkness and guide our path.\u201d In addition to the large fir tree, the forests of South Tyrol have also donated other smaller trees to the Vatican, intended for offices, public spaces, and various areas of Vatican City. This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Victoria Cardiel Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Rupnik concelebrated Mass in a basilica in Rome despite restrictions Vatican shares Pope Francis\u2019 schedule for December consistory to create cardinals The Miracle Hunter: A Cardiologist’s Journey into Eucharistic Miracles What is \u2018papal infallibility?\u2019 CNA explains an often-misunderstood Church teaching Pope Francis revises the penal law of the Eastern Catholic Churches Worldwide Catholic Population Hits 1.4 Billion<\/p>\n