STORY: Pope Leo XIV on Sunday (December 21) blessed the nativity scene figurines of baby Jesus brought by children to the Vatican on the occasion of the last Angelus prayer before Christmas.

From the window of the papal apartment, Leo greeted the young people gathered in St Peter's Square and invited them to pray in front of the nativity scenes in their homes, schools and oratories.

On Friday Pope Leo urged young people from the Italian Catholic Action Association to make peace with a close person before Christmas, Vatican News reported.

In a speech to the group he said young people, through the figures of the Nativity on display in homes and schools, can see that there is room for all around God, the report added.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (DECEMBER 21, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO APPEARING FROM WINDOW OF PAPAL APARTMENTS

2. POPE LEO WAVING FROM WINDOW

3. PEOPLE IN ST PETER’S SQUARE

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“Today, I extend a special greeting to the children and kids of Rome.”

5. CHILDREN HOLDING NATIVITY SCENE FIGURINES

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“You have come with your families and catechists for the blessing of the figurines of the baby Jesus to be placed in the nativity scenes in your homes, schools and oratories.”

7. CHILDREN HOLDING NATIVITY SCENE FIGURINES

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“Before the nativity scene, pray to Jesus also for the Pope's intentions. In particular, let's pray together that all children in the world may live in peace. Thank you very much.”

9. NATIVITY SCENE FIGURINE OF BABY JESUS

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING (BITE CONTINUES ON NEXT SHOT):

“May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you always. I wish everyone a happy Sunday and a holy and happy Christmas.”

11. CHILDREN HOLDING NATIVITY SCENE FIGURINES

12. POPE WAVING