Vatican Museum: And the Word became flesh #1

“The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.” With these few words, Pope Francis captures the task that sacred art is called to do – to reveal the truth of the Good News through beauty. Each day of the Christmas Octave, the Vatican Museums and Vatican News will offer a masterpiece from the papal collections, accompanied by a reflection from the Popes.

Flemish Manufacture, Brussels, workshop of Pieter van Aelst (m. Brussels 1532); cartoon from the school of Raphael (Urbino 1483 - Roma 1520), Adoration of the Shepherds. “New School” series of scenes of the Life of Christ 1524-1531; tapestry, warp: wool, shed: wool, silk and metallic thread; 557 x 685 cm; © Musei Vaticani

“With unlimited and unshakable confidence, let us place in the small, omnipotent and merciful hands of the newborn Redeemer, our desires, our hopes and our prayers. And with you, we implore him, with every priest, every member of the faithful of Holy Church, with all those who recognize Christ as Lord and Saviour, to deliver humanity from the discord into which the war has dragged us: O Root of Jesse, you who stand as a sign for the peoples; before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse. Come, save us, and do not delay.”

Pope Pius XII – Discourse to the Sacred College of Cardinals
to the Roman Prelature – 24 December 1940

Series Editor: Paolo Ondarza

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