ROME- Less than a week after the nativity scene in the Vatican was unveiled with Baby Jesus wrapped in a Keffiyeh, it has 'disappeared' causing an outcry in Italian media.

 On Wednesday, it was noticed that the manager, keffiyeh, and Baby Jesus had been removed from the nativity scene. The Vatican responded to the keffiyeh's disappearance by recalling tradition and stated that Jesus, “will be placed in the nativity scene on the night between December 24 and 25.”

 An anonymous Palestinian official said the Vatican “had removed the keffiyeh without explanation, and it was unclear whether it would be restored on Dec. 24”, according to the Associated Press.

 The Keffiyeh has a strong history within Palestinian culture and its intricate pattern represents the state's strength and perseverance.

 This year, the nativity scene was hand-crafted by Bethlehem based artists. During the unveiling, Pope Francis prayed in front of the creche and then greeted those who took part in the creation of the Vatican’s Christmas decorations. Also present at the unveiling were Representatives of the Palestinian Embassy to the Holy See and representatives of the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas has also planned to visit the Vatican on Thursday.

 In the middle of the event, two Palestinian children gifted Pope Francis with a “Bethlehem Star” award, which the Palestinian news agency WAFA stated was a “powerful reminder of the suffering and sorrow endured by Palestinian children amid the ongoing Israeli war and blockade in Gaza.”

 Pope Francis has been vocal about the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza. On October 7, 2023, he made a declaration for Hamas to release the hostages taken from Israel. He has also previously called for a further investigation into if Israel’s attacks on Gaza are considered genocide.

 During Wednesday's unveiling, Pope Francis referenced “martyred Palestine” and made a plea for the end to war, “Let us remember the brothers and sisters who, instead, right there and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedy of war,” he said. “With tears in our eyes, let us raise our prayer for peace. Brothers and sisters, enough war, enough violence!”

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