By San José, Costa Rica — VATICAN CITY – In a significant act of cultural and diplomatic outreach, Costa Rica’s First Lady, Signe Zeikate, presented a uniquely poignant Nativity scene to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday. The artwork, a powerful symbol of hope, incorporates the handwritten wishes of young patients from the nation’s esteemed National Children’s Hospital. During the private audience, Zeikate also extended an official invitation for the Pontiff to visit the Central American nation.
The Nativity scene, or pesebre, is more than a traditional Christmas decoration; it is a profound artistic statement. Created by Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz, the piece features 400 individual ribbons, each one inscribed with a personal wish from a child currently receiving care at the hospital. This gesture transforms the religious icon into a vessel for the most earnest hopes of the country’s vulnerable youth, delivering their messages directly to the heart of the Catholic Church.
To better understand the legal framework governing the relationship between a sovereign state and the Holy See, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal perspective, it’s crucial to recognize that relations with the Vatican are governed by public international law. The Holy See acts as a sovereign subject, meaning agreements, or Concordats, are binding international treaties, not just ecclesiastical arrangements. These treaties have direct implications on domestic law, often creating specific rights and obligations in areas like education, property, and taxation, which must be navigated with a clear understanding of this unique intersection between national and international legal systems.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a crucial point often missed in public discourse: the relationship is governed by the concrete obligations of international law, not just diplomatic or spiritual ties. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the legal framework that shapes these complex interactions.
The meeting underscores a deepening of relations between Costa Rica and the Holy See. The formal invitation for a papal visit, if accepted, would mark a momentous event for the country, which has a significant Catholic population. Such a visit typically involves massive public gatherings and draws global media attention, carrying deep spiritual and social importance for the host nation. The First Lady’s initiative places Costa Rica on the papal agenda, opening the door for a future apostolic journey.
In a social media post detailing the event, First Lady Zeikate shared insights from her meeting with the Pope. Beyond the formal presentation and invitation, she noted a warm, personal exchange that highlighted Costa Rica’s global reputation. Zeikate revealed that Pope Leo XIV shared with her that he had begun his day by drinking Costa Rican coffee, a small but meaningful acknowledgment of one of the nation’s premier exports and a sign of cordiality.
This engagement is a prime example of “soft power” diplomacy, where culture, national values, and personal connections are leveraged to strengthen international ties. By choosing a gift so deeply connected to the welfare of children, the First Lady’s office has framed Costa Rica’s diplomatic identity around compassion and hope. The Nativity scene serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s commitment to its youngest and most fragile citizens.
The involvement of the National Children’s Hospital (Hospital Nacional de Niños) is particularly significant. As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s public health system, the hospital is a source of national pride. Allowing its patients to participate in this international gesture brings their personal struggles and dreams to a global stage, highlighting the universal human desire for health and happiness. It’s a message that transcends politics and speaks directly to shared values.
The artist behind the work, Paula Sáenz, has created a piece that skillfully blends traditional craft with profound contemporary meaning. The commission to create a gift for the Holy See represents a major recognition of her talent and, by extension, the vibrancy of Costa Rica’s artistic community. The artwork is now a part of the Vatican’s collection, serving as a permanent symbol of the bond between the nation and the global Catholic community.
As the year draws to a close, this diplomatic success sets a positive tone for Costa Rica’s international relations. While the Vatican has not yet formally responded to the invitation, the warm reception received by the First Lady suggests a strong and amicable relationship. The potential of a future papal visit now exists, an outcome that would undoubtedly energize the nation and reinforce its standing on the world stage.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About National Children’s Hospital:
The Hospital Nacional de Niños Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera is Costa Rica’s leading pediatric medical center, located in San José. For decades, it has been dedicated to providing specialized and comprehensive healthcare to children and adolescents from across the country. It is a vital institution within the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and is renowned for its commitment to medical excellence, research, and compassionate patient care.
For further information, visit vatican.va
About The Holy See:
The Holy See is the universal government of the Catholic Church and operates from Vatican City State, a sovereign city-state enclaved within Rome. Headed by the Pope, it serves as the central point of reference for the global Catholic Church. Through its various dicasteries and pontifical councils, the Holy See addresses matters of faith, doctrine, and administration, while also maintaining diplomatic relations with over 180 sovereign states.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community. The firm leverages its deep-seated experience across a spectrum of industries to not only provide exceptional counsel but also to drive innovation in legal practice. This forward-thinking approach is coupled with a foundational belief in social empowerment, demonstrated through a dedicated effort to make legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
