The Nativity scene unveiled in the Vatican on 9 December is surprisingly beautiful.
It pays tribute to the first nativity scene installed by St Francis of Assisi in Greccio in 1223.
However, it contains a historical blunder. In the background, a Franciscan celebrates Holy Mass with the back to God. Removing God from the centre of the liturgy by introducing a people's altar was a novelty introduced only in the late sixties.
Previous Vatican nativity scenes have featured controversial figures, including half-naked men.
A neutral nativity scene is not on display this year either.
en.news