Pope Francis displayed the traditional annual nativity scene, where the baby Jesus appeared sleeping on a Palestinian keffiyeh, surrounded by wooden figures made from olive trees, and the Star of Bethlehem placed above the scene, inscribed in Latin with Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

The Vatican inaugurated the tree and the nativity scene in St. Peter's Square, inspired by Lake Garda in northern Italy, and the nativity scene in Paul VI Hall, crafted by artisans, alongside the traditional Palestinian scarf. Pope Francis added, "Do you know that the most profitable industries are those of weapons? It’s profit from killing... Enough wars.

Pope Francis called for a Christmas ceasefire on all fronts worldwide, saying, "Let us continue to pray for peace, for suffering Ukraine, the Middle East, Palestine, Lebanon, now Syria, in Myanmar, in Sudan, and everywhere people are suffering because of war and violence.

This year's nativity scene on display at the Vatican commemorates Palestinian children who have fallen during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip for over 14 months and has been praised by many supporters of the Palestinian people.