Vatican denies free Christmas crib linked to corruption scandal

VATICAN CITY, Dec 14: – The Vatican said on Thursday there was no link between its decision to accept the gift of a nativity scene in St Peter’s Square and allegations that it had previously paid inflated prices to have them built. This year’s larger-than-life Christmas tableau depicting the biblical scene of Jesus’ birth, worth about 120,000 dollar, was donated by the southern region of Basilicata, one of Italy’s poorest. (agencies)