During the audience, I had the privilege of presenting His Holiness with a handcrafted mother-of-pearl Nativity from Bethlehem. The artwork beautifully depicts the Birth of Christ, crowned above by the image of the Risen Lord — symbolizing the unity of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, the Incarnation and the Resurrection. Created by Christian artisans of the Holy Land, it represents the living faith and craftsmanship of a community that continues to safeguard the sacred heritage of Christianity.

For nearly three years, many Christian families in the Holy Land have endured severe hardship due to the dramatic decline in tourism and income. More than 80% of Christian families depend directly on pilgrimage and tourism for their livelihood. By bringing thousands of pilgrims, we help create jobs and provide financial stability for local families — including guides, hotel workers, restaurant staff, olive wood artisans, and souvenir shop owners. Pilgrimage is not just travel; it is hope, dignity, and survival for the living stones who remain faithful in the land of Christ’s birth.

We remain committed to strengthening faith, building bridges of peace, and restoring hope to the Holy Land. The land of the Gospel is open, and its people are ready to welcome the world once again.

With gratitude and faith,

Khaled Jacoub, KHS

CEO, Nativity Pilgrimage