Neapolitan Nativity Scene Inaugurated in St Peter’s Basilica

Today, 8 December, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, at the conclusion of the Chapter Vespers at 5:00 p.m., His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican, inaugurated and blessed the new Neapolitan Nativity scene set up at the Altar of St Gregory the Great, in the left side aisle.

The work, created by the master artisans Cantone & Costabile of San Gregorio Armeno and installed with the support of the staff of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, will be open to visitors every day during the Basilica’s opening hours until 7 January 2026, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The Rite

At the end of Vespers, the Canons of the Chapter of St Peter processed to the Nativity scene, at the Altar of St Gregory the Great, where they were welcomed by Monsignor Orazio Pepe, Secretary of the Fabbrica di San Pietro. In his brief remarks, he recalled that the Nativity scene “reminds us that Christ, the Eternal Son of God, became man in the virginal womb of the Most Holy Mary.”

Immediately afterwards, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti imparted the blessing to the Nativity scene, accompanied by the chants of the Cappella Giulia Choir, directed by the Vice Maestro Fabio Avolio.