The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announced that work is set to begin on restoring the “cradle” of Christianity – the place where Jesus was born – in Bethlehem. Source: Vatican News.
It will be first time in 600 years that restoration works will be undertaken at the Grotto of the Nativity.
The announcement was made jointly by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land. They expressed their joy at the initiative, which also involves the cooperation of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate and is carried out under the auspices of the Presidency of the State of Palestine.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had referred to the restoration works while visiting Rome in November 2025, both during his meeting with Pope Leo XIV and at the inauguration of the exhibition “Bethlehem Reborn”.
He said that the renovation of the place where Christ was born was “a sign of great hope and rebirth for the whole Holy Land”.
The works will be carried out by an Italian company which, two years ago, restored the Basilica of the Nativity as part of a major, meticulous rehabilitation project.
In addition to interventions in the Grotto itself – on the bare rock, the marble floors, columns and decorations, and the star marking the exact spot where Jesus was born – the project includes technical reinforcement measures in adjacent sections. This reflects both the architectural unity of the sanctuary and the spirit of cooperation that preserves it for all humanity.
The restorations will also support many local families of workers (trained in restoration) who will be employed in this important project and, consequently, will have an impact on Bethlehem’s economy.
The economic situation has been difficult due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the halt in pilgrimages, which are now slowly resuming as “Phase 2” of United States President Donald Trump’s peace plan gets underway.
The restoration project marks a significant ecumenical initiative through collaboration between Greek Orthodox Christians and the Franciscans, custodians of the Grotto.
“This project,” the statement continues, “embodies a unified Christian commitment to preserve the spiritual, historical, and cultural patrimony of the Holy Grotto for future generations, and to uphold the dignity of a site where the Christian proclamation took visible form and where the faithful of every nation have gathered in pilgrimage throughout the centuries.”
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Restoration of Bethlehem’s Grotto of the Nativity ‘a sign of hope and unity’ (By Cecilia Seppia, Vatican News)
