Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, elected on March 13, 2013. Known for his humility and focus on mercy, he has emphasized care for the poor, environmental stewardship, and a Church that reaches out to the margins of society.
Admirabile Signum is an apostolic letter by Pope Francis, signed on December 1, 2019, at Greccio, Italy. It reflects on the meaning and importance of the Nativity scene, encouraging its use as a simple yet profound expression of faith during Christmas.
Admirabile Signum (“Admirable Sign”) is Pope Francis’s apostolic letter on the Nativity scene’s significance.
It was signed on December 1, 2019, during a visit to Greccio, Italy.
The letter aims to renew appreciation for the Nativity scene, highlighting its role as a simple, accessible way to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s birth and share the Christmas message with families and communities.
Pope Francis chose Greccio because it’s where St. Francis of Assisi created the first Nativity scene in 1223. The location ties the letter to the tradition’s origins, emphasizing its historical and spiritual roots.
It was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s first Nativity scene, which used live animals and people to bring the Gospel to life. Pope Francis reflects his own love for simplicity and closeness to the poor in this tradition.
Admirabile Signum is a concise letter with an introduction and 10 numbered points. It starts by recalling St. Francis’s initiative, then explores the theological and cultural meaning of each element—like Mary, Joseph, and the manger—ending with a call to keep the tradition alive in homes, schools, and public spaces.
It describes the Nativity as a “living Gospel,” a tender depiction of God’s love made humble in Jesus, inviting all—rich and poor alike—to encounter Him.
Its significance lies in reaffirming a cherished tradition amid a secularizing world. By praising the Nativity scene’s simplicity, Pope Francis counters materialism, encourages family prayer, and reminds Catholics of Christmas’s true focus—Christ’s humble birth—making it a gentle yet powerful pastoral message.
It ties to Luke 2:7 (“She laid Him in a manger”), using the Nativity scene to visualize Scripture’s account of Jesus’s birth in poverty and love.
Families can set up Nativity scenes, pray together, and teach children about Jesus’s birth, reflecting the letter’s call to share faith simply and joyfully.
The full text is on the Vatican website (vatican.va).