Listen to the article
The Vatican’s Nativity scene this year has taken on a powerful pro-life message, featuring thousands of colored ribbons that represent babies not aborted due to outreach initiatives by the international organization 40 Days for Life.
The Costa Rican-designed display, which sits in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, includes a pregnant Virgin Mary and Joseph surrounded by 25,000 individual ribbons. Each ribbon symbolizes a child that the pro-life group says was saved through their prayer vigils and counseling outside abortion clinics around the world.
“It’s really beautiful,” said Shawn Carney, CEO and founder of 40 Days for Life, in a recent interview. “The straw in the manger where Baby Jesus is and Mary, and Joseph—the straw is made up of 25,000 ribbons. Each ribbon represents a baby boy or baby girl that was saved from abortion during a 40 Days for Life campaign.”
Pope Leo XIV personally blessed the Nativity scene, describing it as a sign of “faith and hope.” During an audience with the donors of the Vatican’s Christmas decorations, the pontiff thanked the artist for creating a message that affirms “life is protected from conception.”
The display was crafted by Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz Soto, who herself has participated in 40 Days for Life activities. The Central American nation donated the Nativity scene to the Vatican as part of this year’s Christmas celebrations.
Carney expressed that the recognition from the Vatican comes at a critical moment. “It’s so inspiring, and frankly, we’ve had a lot of bad news lately in America and around the world, and this display represents good news,” he said. “It represents babies that have been saved from abortion.”
The pro-life leader emphasized the theological significance of the scene, particularly its depiction of Mary as pregnant. “The Nativity is at the heart of Catholicism and all Christians, and certainly at the heart of the pro-life movement,” Carney explained. “Our Lord could have popped out of an acorn and saved us from our sins. He didn’t do that. God chose a family, a holy family, a 14-year-old virgin, to bring his son into the world through the womb.”
This unique representation underscores both religious and scientific perspectives on prenatal life, according to Carney. “It speaks to the scientific reality of the unborn child and the Biblical reality that Our Lord came through the womb,” he noted.
The Vatican’s embrace of this pro-life message comes amid ongoing global debates about abortion access and regulations. Approximately 72 million abortions occur worldwide annually, making it what Carney describes as “by far the greatest moral crisis of our time.”
For the 40 Days for Life organization, which organizes prayer vigils and outreach efforts outside abortion clinics globally, this recognition from the Catholic Church’s highest authority represents significant validation of their work.
Carney also expressed optimism about Pope Leo XIV’s approach to abortion issues, suggesting the pontiff may take a stronger stance than his predecessor. “I think he’s righting the ship,” Carney said. “I think he’s speaking with a little bit more clarity than what we saw from Pope Francis.”
The Nativity scene has become a focal point for visitors to the Vatican this Christmas season, drawing attention to both the religious celebration of Christ’s birth and the contemporary debate surrounding abortion. The visual impact of thousands of colored ribbons offers a tangible representation of the organization’s claimed impact.
For pro-life advocates, the display provides encouragement at the end of what Carney called “a historic year for the pro-life movement in 2025,” adding that he anticipates even more momentum in the coming year. “This display certainly inspires so much hope and confidence that if we pray, if we fast, if we’re faithful and we get to work, we can end abortion anywhere,” he concluded.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
13 Comments
The Vatican’s pro-life nativity scene is a powerful and visually striking statement. It’s interesting to see the Church using art and symbolism to advocate for its beliefs on such a sensitive topic.
I agree, the artistic elements of the display, like the ribbons representing saved lives, make it a thought-provoking and impactful piece. It will be interesting to see how the public reacts to this bold statement from the Vatican.
It’s admirable that the Vatican is using its platform to highlight the work of 40 Days for Life and the lives saved through their efforts. This nativity scene is a thought-provoking way to bring attention to the pro-life cause.
I agree. The Vatican’s decision to feature this message in its iconic nativity display is sure to generate discussion and reflection on this important issue.
I’m curious to learn more about the artistic design and symbolism behind the nativity scene. How did the artist intend to convey the pro-life message through the materials and composition?
That’s a great question. The use of ribbons as a medium is an intriguing choice that adds a tactile, personal element to the display. I’d be interested to hear the artist’s perspective on the creative process.
The Vatican’s pro-life nativity scene is a powerful symbol that reminds us of the sanctity of life. It’s encouraging to see the Church take a strong stance on this important issue.
I appreciate the Vatican highlighting the work of 40 Days for Life and the lives saved through their efforts. It’s a meaningful way to spread the pro-life message.
The 25,000 ribbons representing saved lives is a powerful visual. It’s heartening to see the Vatican use its platform to celebrate the pro-life movement and their work.
While I respect the Vatican’s position, I think the nativity scene could be seen as a controversial political statement. There are complex ethical debates around abortion that reasonable people can disagree on.
You raise a fair point. The nativity display may be viewed as taking sides in a sensitive debate. The Church should aim to promote dialogue and understanding on this issue.
The Vatican’s pro-life nativity scene is a bold and controversial move. While I respect the Church’s right to express its views, I worry that this display could further polarize the abortion debate rather than promote understanding.
While I respect the Vatican’s right to take a stance, I worry that this nativity scene could further divide people on the abortion issue. Perhaps a more inclusive approach focusing on the sanctity of all human life would be more constructive.