In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV visits the Nativity Scene from Nocera Inferiore–Sarno

Pope Leo XIV visited the Nativity Scene from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore–Sarno, set up in St. Peter’s Square for the 2025 Christmas season. On Wednesday afternoon, 31 December 2025, he visited the crèche after presiding in the Vatican Basilica over First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God, followed by the singing of the traditional Te Deum hymn of thanksgiving at the end of the year.

Welcomed by Sr. Raffaella Petrini and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, respectively President and Secretary General of the Governorate, the Pope paused before the Nativity. He then paid homage to the Infant Jesus, remaining for a few moments in prayer. At the end, before leaving the Square, the Pope blessed the many faithful present. The visit was accompanied by music performed by the Band of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps.