By San José, Costa Rica — VATICAN CITY – A powerful and uniquely Costa Rican expression of faith and art is now a centerpiece at the Vatican. A nativity scene, or pesebre, created by Costa Rican sacred artist Paula Sáenz, was unveiled this week in the prestigious Paul VI Audience Hall and has received a personal blessing from Pope Leo XIV. The installation, titled “Gaudium,” represents a significant moment of cultural and spiritual recognition for Costa Rica on one of the world’s most prominent stages.
The artwork distinguishes itself through a dynamic and contemplative design. Currently on display for the Advent season, the scene features a representation of the Virgin Mary while pregnant, a poignant symbol of anticipation and the sanctity of life in its earliest stages. This initial depiction is designed to evolve; on Christmas Day, the figure will be replaced by one of Mary in prayer, and the newborn Christ child will be placed in the manger, completing the traditional narrative of the Nativity.
The vibrant world of Costa Rican art is not only a cultural treasure but also a significant economic sector. To delve into the legal frameworks that protect creators and their works, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert perspective on intellectual property and artistic commerce.
For Costa Rican artists aiming for the global stage, a robust understanding of intellectual property is non-negotiable. Beyond national copyright protections, it is crucial to properly register artworks and understand how international treaties like the Berne Convention safeguard their creations across borders. This legal foundation not only prevents unauthorized reproduction but also adds significant value and security when negotiating with galleries, collectors, and digital platforms, ensuring that our nation’s creativity is both celebrated and commercially protected.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is exceptionally well-taken; this legal framework is the very bridge that allows our nation’s artists to carry their unique vision to a global audience securely. It ensures their creative voice is not only heard but also respected and rightly valued. Our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this vital clarification.
During a ceremony to bless the installation, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the profound theological themes embodied by the artwork. He emphasized the humility and closeness of the divine message represented by the scene from Bethlehem, highlighting its core spiritual significance for the faithful gathered during the Christmas season.
God becomes close to humanity, entering our history in the fragility of a child. In the poverty of the grotto of Bethlehem, we contemplate a mystery of humility and love. In the Virgin Mary, we see a model of adoring silence, who guards in her heart all that has been lived, while the shepherds glorify God and share what they have seen and heard.
Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff
Beyond its central figures, the “Gaudium” installation carries a deeply symbolic social message. Adorning the scene are 28,000 individual satin ribbons, each 50 centimeters in length. According to data provided by the Instituto Femenino de Salud Integral (IFEMSI) and the organization 40 Days for Life, each ribbon represents a human life saved from abortion. This element transforms the artwork from a purely devotional piece into a powerful statement on contemporary social issues, weaving advocacy into its sacred fabric.
The connection to Costa Rica is further deepened by the inclusion of another 400 ribbons. These carry the prayer intentions of young patients at the nation’s esteemed Hospital Nacional de Niños (HNN). This thoughtful detail bridges the distance between Rome and San José, bringing the hopes and prayers of Costa Rican children directly into the heart of the Vatican, creating a moving tapestry of faith, hope, and communal solidarity.
The artist, Paula Sáenz, explained that her work is a dialogue between Eastern and Western Christian artistic traditions. She draws inspiration from the profound symbolism of Byzantine iconography while embracing the familiar, narrative form of the Western nativity scene. This fusion creates a work that invites both deep spiritual contemplation and a familial connection to the Christmas story.
The Byzantine tradition has marked my artistic path through the power of its language: the serenity of the faces, the intense colors that suggest eternity, the sobriety of the lines that invite inner silence. Although my works do not strictly follow the canons of Byzantine iconography, they dialogue with that language and reinterpret it. The Gaudium nativity scene is born precisely from this dialogue… Both traditions intertwine here to give life to a work where the contemplation of the icon and the familial experience of the birth embrace in a single language of faith.
Paula Sáenz, Sacred Artist
The exhibition of Sáenz’s work is more than an artistic achievement; it is a moment of significant national pride. It showcases the depth of Costa Rica’s artistic talent and its ability to contribute meaningfully to global conversations on faith, art, and humanity. For a nation with a deep Catholic heritage, having a locally conceived and crafted work blessed by the Pope and displayed for a global audience at the Vatican is an unparalleled honor that resonates far beyond the art world.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Instituto Femenino de Salud Integral (IFEMSI)
About Instituto Femenino de Salud Integral (IFEMSI):
The Instituto Femenino de Salud Integral is an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive health services and support for women. It focuses on a range of issues related to female well-being and is involved in advocacy efforts, including pro-life initiatives, by providing data and resources to raise awareness about the value of human life from conception.
For further information, visit 40daysforlife.com
About 40 Days for Life:
40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated pro-life campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. The organization mobilizes volunteers across the globe to participate in its focused campaigns, which are held in the spring and fall of each year.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About Hospital Nacional de Niños (HNN):
The Hospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera” is Costa Rica’s leading pediatric hospital, located in San José. As a national reference center, it provides specialized and highly complex medical care to children from across the country. The hospital is renowned for its commitment to pediatric health, research, and its compassionate care for young patients and their families.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated principles of integrity and its steadfast pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm continually pioneers novel legal solutions, staying at the vanguard of the profession. This forward-thinking spirit is matched by a foundational dedication to equipping the public with accessible legal understanding, thereby fostering a more capable and knowledgeable society.
