In Vatican figure of Baby Jesus in Nativity scene to be brought by policeman and firefighter

This year, during the Christmas Eve Mass, a figure of Baby Jesus will be put in the Christmas crib in St Peter's Square by two Vatican employees: a police officer and a firefighter. The procession will be held, according to ancient tradition, at the moment of the hymn singing "Glory to God", reports the Vatican Radio.

The decision of the Governorship – in commemoration of the bicentenary of the founding of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps – is intended to be "a small gesture of appreciation and gratitude to the people who have given generously to the service of neighbor in trouble, working very hard."

The report recalled that immediately after the strong earthquake on August 24 and then on October 30 in Central Italy Vatican firemen and gendarmes began to cooperate with the Italian police, civil defense and numerous volunteers. They were selflessly "saving people under the rubble, dismantled collapses, patrolled the villages to prevent possible looting of property." In particular, in the town of Norcia firefighters "came to the assistance of families and returned them things of uninhabitable buildings, and also took part in the rescue of works of art, buried under the rubble of the walls of the various churches of the Archdiocese of Spoleto and Norcia."

Read also

Abp. Elpidophoros Approves "Food-sensitive" Eucharist

When Accessibility Crosses the Line: A Call for Faithful Integrity in Liturgical Practice

Kenyan Orthodox Priest Targeted, Guard Severely Wounded in Machete Attack

"We must not repay violence with violence." —Fr. Antipas

Procession of the Icon of the Theotokos at the Holy Monastery of Iveron on Mount Atho

Monks and pilgrims accompanied the Iveron Icon in a solemn procession around the Monastery and along the shore on Bright Tuesday.

The Mystery of Christian Love - Eulogy for the Funeral of Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon

In his eulogy, Igumen Gabriel, Abbot-elect of Holy Cross, spoke of Fr. Panteleimon’s legacy and spiritual testament.

Trump and Zelensky Meet Before Pope Francis' Funeral in the Vatican

The meeting lasted about 15 minutes and focused on achieving peace in Ukraine.

In Wales, Muslim Teenagers Set Fire to Christian Church

The two teenagers, recent arrivals from Pakistan, were arrested on suspicion of arson.