Beautiful Nativity figures. They are by a modern Mexican sculptor who works in the Spanish Colonial Baroque style.
At right a Nativity scene, made up of 11 wood-carved figure[s], and a Christmas tree with handmade ceramic decorations, [was] presented to the pontiff by Margarita Zabala, wife of Mexico's president Felipe Calderon, and are part of the 'Mexican Christmas' exhibit in the Vatican. Margarita Zabala also brought a personal gift, a silver framed sculpted image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint. The exhibit set up in the Paul VI audience hall recreates traditional scenes from the countryside in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and includes a photo exhibit of local artisan workmanship. The 450 tree ornaments represent multicolored birds and traditional fruits.
The Mexicans also brought four baroque angels sculpted in wood to be part of the monumental Nativity Scene in St. Peter's Square, which every year is unveiled on Christmas Eve.During his public remarks at the audience, the pope greeted the delegation from Mexico and the state of Jalisco, and wished them a "Santa y Feliz Navidad," a happy and holy Christmas.