Pope Leo XIV, in a heartwarming address to the 'Living Nativity' participants at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, emphasized the profound message of hope that the Nativity holds for our world. He encouraged the congregation, numbering around 1,000, to embrace the spirit of unity and to be beacons of inspiration, stating, 'We are never alone and continue to be pilgrims of hope, bearers of consolation and inspiration for all those we encounter.'
As the Advent season nears its end, the Pope celebrated this ancient tradition, drawing parallels to the generations of pilgrims who have journeyed to St. Peter's tomb. The 'Living Nativity' participants, after their encounter with the Pope, will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, also known as the 'Bethlehem of the West,' where the Holy Crib is meticulously preserved.
Pope Leo highlighted the crib's significance as an ancient relic, recalling how it inspired Saint Francis in 1223 to initiate the first 'Nativity of Greccio,' thus initiating the Nativity scene tradition. This tradition, spanning over 800 years, has united people worldwide in creating Nativity scenes, embodying a message of hope that our world desperately needs.
The Pope reflected on the words of his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI described the Nativity as a peaceful arrival, aiming to conquer pride, violence, and the desire for possession. Ten years later, Pope Francis emphasized the spiritual journey inspired by the Nativity scene, inviting contemplation of Christ's humility.
Pope Leo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Holy Family's disarming poverty in the Bethlehem cave, a place where new life begins through Christ's footsteps. As the participants in the 'Living Nativity' procession through Rome, they become a joyful symbol of the beauty of being Jesus' disciples, spreading hope and inspiration in their daily lives.
The Pope concluded by stressing the Nativity scene's role as a vital sign of our inclusion in a remarkable salvation adventure, where we are never alone. He challenged the participants to perpetuate this tradition, spreading the message of hope and light, as it is a gift for a world in dire need of hope.
