Pope Francis visits the Nativity Scene from Grado in Saint Peter’s Square

On Tuesday afternoon, 31 December 2024, Pope Francis visited the Nativity Scene from Grado, located in Saint Peter’s Square. Earlier, he had presided at First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Te Deum hymn of thanksgiving for the conclusion of the year.

Accompanied by Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga, Sr. Raffaella Petrini and Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi Alibrandi, respectively, President, Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State, the Pope paused for some time before the Nativity Scene.

The Nativity Scene includes a depiction of the Shrine of Our Lady of Barbana, located on an island on the far eastern end of Grado Lagoon. The Archdiocese of Gorizia designated the Shrine as a Jubilee Church throughout the Holy Year.