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The top photo in the OP has an empty crib with everyone standing around looking like they're shocked, as if they're reacting to the baby Jesus suddenly missing.
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Then you see the nude man lying on a pile of hay, and you think wait -- is this supposed to take the place of the baby Jesus? Then there's the stretcher to the right with a dead man's arm hanging out, which appears to be the same left arm the nude man raises up. Is the corpse supposed to be the same man as the nude one on the hay? Then you notice there is an empty-looking cave on the left with two men in postures of surprise, as if to say who broke into the cave? Or is it an empty tomb?
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Then in the later article you see this:
The display will be unveiled on December 7, on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. However, in accordance with Italian tradition, the baby Jesus won't be placed in His manger until December 25.
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They're going to do more on December 25th than just put the baby Jesus in the manger. They're going to change all the other figures too, by moving their limbs and turning their torsos and perhaps even changing their heads so that everyone is happy that the baby Jesus has been found! They'll probably remove the dead man, or else raise him to life; and the nude -- put on some clothes. Get it? Corporal work of mercy: clothe the naked? When you do these things for the least of my brethren you do it for me?
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The nude man's left hand will be accepting a loaf of bread from the man whose hand is now extended toward it with an out-of-place white cloth draped over them. The cloth will be removed and the bread loaf will tell a different story, feeding the hungry. His mouth is open toward the black king/wise man, whose hands are holding a vessel. But the vessel will be removed and replaced with an ampule that will be pouring wine into the man's open mouth.
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If this was meant to be some message about 'Christ coming to save mankind from it's cruel plight' -it has fallen horribly flat. Otherwise, it's creator is just demented. Next year the wise-men may be women and the shepherds might be kissing.  :barf:   

(I just realized that all the facial expressions and gestures look startled and distraught. Not too happy about the Savior's arrival?)

I see the "Pope" of the Catholic Church has condemned this, right? 

Take it for what it's worth, 2Vermont.  No one likes these Popes, even God.

Typical.

Typical what?

(I just realized that all the facial expressions and gestures look startled and distraught. Not too happy about the Savior's arrival?)

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The baby Jesus has literally not yet arrived. But that doesn't matter. Francis is taking full advantage of the chance to twist this scene into something it has never been before, for SHOCK value.
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It is an empty crib with everyone standing around looking like they're shocked, as if they're reacting to the baby Jesus suddenly missing. 

This year's manger scene is obviously meant to be disturbing.
Who knows why they have these out-of-place figures and expressions, because no one is explaining it.
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It seems to me they're taking a lesson from museums and modern art exhibits in recent years which have featured disturbing images on display to the public (sometimes to paying viewers) without any explanation, in order to watch and listen to their reaction. Sometimes the viewing crowd BECOMES the actual display when others are making video recordings of the crowd's reaction, or including personal interviews with viewers.
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JPII introduced the pope's infatuation with clowns.. 
Now Francis is introducing his infatuation with making the Vatican into a circus.
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Right - here is what he said:

In his explanation of the crèche, Pope Francis said: “This year’s Nativity scene, executed in the typical style of Neapolitan art, is inspired by the works of mercy. They remind us that the Lord has told us: ‘Whatever you wish men to do to you, you also do to them’ (Mt 7.12). The crib is the suggestive place where we contemplate Jesus who, taking upon himself the miseries of man, invites us to do likewise, through acts of mercy.”