Pope Francis Criticized for Nativity Scene Depicting Baby Jesus in Palestinian Keffiyeh

The Vatican's 2024 nativity display, created by Palestinian artists, has drawn global attention for its political symbolism during a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The nativity scene, titled 'Nativity of Bethlehem 2024,' was designed by Palestinian artists and features baby Jesus wrapped in a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf.
Pope Francis inaugurated the display in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, where he prayed in front of the scene and called for global peace and an end to violence and war.
The display has sparked polarized reactions, with some praising it as a call for peace and others criticizing it as a revisionist portrayal of Jesus' Jewish identity.
Palestinian Authority representatives, including a spokesperson for Mahmoud Abbas, expressed gratitude for the pope's support for the Palestinian cause during the event.
The pope's involvement comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with his past comments on Gaza and Israel drawing both praise and condemnation.