Vatican Removes Nativity Scene Featuring Jesus on Palestinian Kufiya After Backlash

The depiction, gifted by Palestinian artists, drew criticism from Jewish groups and others for its perceived political and historical implications.

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.