A nativity scene inaugurated by Pope Francis last weekend has been removed by the Vatican.

The scene had caused a backlash from some religious groups around the world because it featured the baby Jesus lying on a traditional Palestinian headdress, known as a 'keffiyeh'.

It's unclear whether the keffiyeh, manger and baby have been removed in response to the criticism or because of the Advent tradition of waiting for Jesus' arrival on Christmas Day.   

A spokesman for the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem said they were 'relieved' that the display had now been taken away.

The display, in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall was designed by two Palestinian artists from Bethlehem.