Pope: 'At Christmas let us think about the Holy Land'

By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis has once again reiterated his closeness to all the people suffering the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.

During an audience on Saturday with a group of actors featuring in a Living Nativity Scene at the  Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, he called on Christians to turn their thoughts and prayers this Christmas to the Holy Land.

Praying for all those suffering the war 

“We know the situation, caused by the war, the consequence of a conflict that has lasted for decades.” he said, remarking that for Palestinians living in Bethlehem too this Christmas will be marked by suffering and grieving, with no pilgrims and celebrations.

Because of the conflict in Gaza, and rising tensions also in the West Bank, in Bethlehem tourism has halted and pilgrimages have been suspended,  while all public celebrations have been cancelled, resulting in further hardships for its inhabitants many of whom live on tourism and pilgrimages. “We don't want to leave them alone”, said Pope Francis, urging for prayers and tangible support.

The historical connection between Bethlehem and  St. Mary Major

In his speech, the Pope recalled the close connection of the Basilica of St. Mary Major to Jesus’ birthplace which goes back to the first centuries of Christianity. The ancient Roman church has a precious relic of pieces of Christ's crib sent from Bethlehem by St. Sophronius, then the Patriarch of Jerusalem, to Pope Theodore I in the seventh century. For this reason, it was also referred to as "the Bethlehem of the West."

Living Nativity scenes are not mere folkloric facts

Also, its underground Chapel of the Nativity once displayed the first known nativity scene figurines, sculpted by Arnolfo di Cambio in the late 13th century for Pope Nicholas IV, who was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, creator of the first Living Nativity in Greccio, Italy, 800 years ago.

Referring to this detail , Pope Francis remarked that living nativity scenes must not be reduced to mere folkloric facts. Their purpose, as intended by St. Francis, he said, must “be to reawaken wonder in the heart, before the mystery of God who became a child.”

Suffering of Bethlehem is an open wound for the world

Concluding his address, Pope Francis reiterated his call to think about the Holy Land at Christmas, noting that the Living Nativity Scene in St. Mary Major will help remind everyone “of how the suffering of Bethlehem is an open wound for the Middle East and for the entire world.”