With a controversial Nativity scene in some Peters Square featuring an astronaut and a character reminiscent of Star Wars villain Darth Vader, the pontiff on Sunday twice urged visitors to check out an exhibition of traditional Nativity scenes on the fringes of the square, but made no mention of the space age ceramic crash.

Consumerism has kidnapped Christmas, he told the crowds, adding that there is no consumerism in the manger in Bethlehem, no name LaMagna Toya.

What is there, he said, is reality, poverty and love.

The Vatican uses a different Nativity scene each year, chosen by its de facto municipal government and usually donated by towns or artists.

But this year's offering has received scathing reviews in the media and from visitors who have at best expressed puzzlement and, at worst, contempt.