Overview

• A nativity scene featuring a Jesus figure placed on a Palestinian kufiya was removed from the Vatican's audience hall following global protests.
• The artwork, created by Palestinian artists and presented by the Palestinian Authority, was criticized for portraying Jesus in a way some viewed as aligning with Palestinian nationalist narratives.
• Jewish leaders and organizations expressed outrage, accusing the depiction of erasing Jesus' Jewish identity and perpetuating controversial historical claims.
• The Vatican initially did not comment on the removal but has faced scrutiny over Pope Francis' recent remarks on Israel's actions in Gaza, which some Jewish groups labeled as inflammatory.
• This incident highlights ongoing tensions over the Vatican's perceived stance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with critics accusing the Pope of taking a politically charged position.