A short history of the Vatican Nativity

With the official unveiling of the 2023 Vatican Nativity and lighting of the tree coming tomorrow, below is a recap of previous years.

But first, a pilgrimage announcement for you…

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Rome, Just Rome: Lenten Edition

My Rome, Just Rome pilgrimages are a hit. They sell out as soon as they are announced and so many of the travelers have said it was their best trip ever, even those who have traveled with me many times. This one is similar to the others, with two great bonuses…

1. It’s off-season. Which means smaller crowds and inexpensive flights. Currently nonstop roundtrip between NYC and Rome is only $600.

2. It’s Lent. This means we get to participate in the ancient tradition of visiting the Lenten Station Churches of Rome.

This one, of course, will also include the opening of the Vatican Museums, some of Rome’s best local guides, amazing meals, and because it’s Lent, a few experiences that are only possible once a year.

Paid subscribers can sign up beginning Monday, December 11th, at 12 PM Eastern / 9 AM Pacific. But here’s all the info so you know what to expect.

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The Vatican Nativity

The Vatican Nativity in Saint Peter’s Square is relatively new. It was started by Pope John Paul II in 1982.

For 30 years, the same figures were used, but the Vatican paid for a new scene each Christmas.

It was Archbishop Viganò who approached Pope Benedict in 2011 with the costs for the yearly crèche. The total costs for building the scene went well into the hundreds of thousands each year.

An idea was then suggested to have a nativity donated from different regions of Italy, and that began in 2012.

I’m sure they meant well, but it opened the door to new takes on the nativity. Most turned out nicely.

Here is a photo I took of the original figures that were used for 30 years.

2012 from Basilicata

This was the first year to use new figures. They did a great job with the scene, but I don’t think they considered the size of the figures. They were so tiny! Full-sized praying pope for reference.

📸 L’Osservatore Romano

2013 from Naples

Pope Francis’ first nativity. I feel they still didn’t have the perspective figured out. It was so crowded.

2014 from Verona

A nice set with traditional figures. Not the most exciting backdrop, but it worked especially well at night.

2015 from Trento

Another nice scene and figures. In the tradition of Italian nativities, the figures are wearing clothes from Trento and the building is in the same style as their architecture.

2016 from Malta

Following the horrible earthquakes in Amatrice and Norcia, many nativities around the country featured damaged buildings and ruble. The cross on its side was shocking, but we lost many churches in the earthquake and this was a nod to them. This one also contained a shipwreck to remember the plight of all the refugees, many who died trying to get to Italy this year.

2017 from Naples

Supposed to highlight the corporal works of mercy, this nativity caused lots of controversy with a buff naked guy and a dead arm hanging off a stretcher. I took lots of pics and posted about it here.

2018 from Veneto

Sand seemed an odd medium for a nativity, but it worked. Though made of sand, the figures are of traditional style and tastefully done.

2019 from Trento

Another great showing by Trento. Again, they included traditional dress and architecture. They went even further by including some actual locals as well. Again, this is in keeping with Italian tradition and making the nativity relatable.

2020 from Abruzzo

This ceramic nativity is just a small part of 54 piece set from the 1960s and 1970s. We have a spark plug angel – or is it iron maiden torture device angel, an astronaut, and a very modern set. Behind the astronaut is an evil looking figure, maybe a knight? Seeing a horned figure, who will soon stand over Baby Jesus, at the Vatican no less, brings me no joy. Speaking of Baby Jesus, He has His head covered/blindfolded until Christmas – it looks like a kidnapping.

2021 from Peru

The first Vatican Nativity to come from somewhere other than Italy (or Malta). It was very colorful and fun. But my favorite photo was as they were taking it down and the piazza looked like a crime scene.

2022 from Rosello

A fine nativity. And the best tree lights ever. I cried during the final lighting.

I have had a few sneak peeks and have high hopes for 2023!

I wish you a blessed Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception!

— Mountain