Vatican News portal (January 26, 2026) reports on restoration works at Bethlehem’s Nativity Grotto initiated by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land, conducted under Palestinian Authority oversight with Italian contractors. The project is framed as an ecumenical endeavor bringing “hope and unity,” with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas praising it during his visit to antipope Leo XIV. Economic motivations are emphasized, citing employment for local workers amid regional conflicts and implementation of US political initiatives.
Theological Surrender to Naturalism
The article’s central premise – that “the restoration embodies a unified Christian commitment” – constitutes grave theological treason. Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus (Outside the Church there is no salvation) remains immutable dogma (Council of Florence, Session 11). By equating schismatic Orthodox bodies with Christ’s true Church, the conciliar sect violates Pius XI’s condemnation: “The union of Christians can only be promoted by promoting the return to the one true Church of Christ” (Mortalium Animos, 1928). The grotto’s restoration becomes sacrilege when administered by heretical bodies pretending equal spiritual authority.
Subordination to Antichristian Political Powers
Collaboration with Mahmoud Abbas’ regime – which denies Christ’s eternal kingship over Palestine – manifests the conciliar sect’s apostasy. Pius IX’s Syllabus of Errors condemns as heresy the notion that “the Church ought to be separated from the State, and the State from the Church” (Proposition 55). Yet here we witness the “State of Palestine” exercising authority over Christianity’s holiest sites, with the conciliar sect’s complicity. This fulfills Pius X’s warning about modernists who “make the State the source of every right” (Lamentabili Sane, Proposition 39).
Desacralization of the Incarnation
Nowhere does the article mention the grotto’s theological significance as the site where “the Word was made flesh” (John 1:14). Instead, it reduces Christ’s birthplace to a “cultural patrimony” and economic stimulus project. Compare this with Pius XI’s teaching: “In the Nativity of the Word Incarnate, all human history turns” (Quas Primas, 1925). The restoration’s true purpose emerges in its focus on “technical reinforcement measures” and employment statistics – a stark contrast to St. Leo the Great’s admonition to “recognize in the manger your own insignificance” (Sermon 26).
Ecumenism as Masonic Strategy
The claim that diverse traditions “venerate the birthplace of Christ with reverence” masks diabolical disunity. St. Augustine teaches that “outside the Church, true sacrifice cannot be offered” (Contra Faustum, 20:21). Orthodox groups deny papal supremacy and Filioque; Armenian monophysitism was condemned at Chalcedon. Their joint administration constitutes the “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15) in holy places. This follows the Masonic playbook exposed in the Alta Vendita documents: “Place all forms of worship on the same footing.”
Political Servility to Anti-Christian Forces
Celebrating the US-Israeli “peace plan” reveals the conciliar sect’s alignment with powers opposing Christ’s reign. Pius IX’s Quanta Cura condemns those who “favor the false notion that all religions are equally good.” The article’s reference to Trump’s initiative – which recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital – tacitly endorses Zionist occupation of Christ’s royal city. This betrays Psalm 2: “The kings of the earth set themselves against the Lord and his Anointed.”
Omission of Supernatural Reality
The restoration’s spiritual dimension is entirely neglected. No mention of:
- The necessity of sacramental confession before venerating holy sites
- Indulgences attached to pilgrimage
- Danger of idolatry when schismatics preside over sacred spaces
This silence proves the operation’s fundamentally naturalistic character. As St. John Chrysostom warned: “Not the place, but faith in the Incarnation saves us” (Homily on the Nativity).
The grotto restoration constitutes architectural Pelagianism – attempting to rebuild Christendom through masonry while denying its theological foundations. True Catholics must reject this pantheon of apostasy, remembering Christ’s words: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). The only restoration needed is of the Regnum Christi in souls through integral Catholic faith.
Source:
Restoration of Bethlehem’s Grotto of the Nativity 'a sign of hope and unity' (vaticannews.va)
Date: 26.01.2026