The new museum has been given the name of ‘Gospel of Life’, a reference to an encyclical of that name issued by the late pope, John Paul II.

The collection of nativity scenes of the Portuguese Province of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin aims to "convey the message of the Birth of Jesus Christ revealed in the Bible and the interculturality of expressions concretised in the nativity."

To show this universal nature of the nativity scene - each people has represented the mystery of Christ’s birth according to their culture and customs, including the landscape and animals of their environment - the show is organised by continent, representing more than 70 countries.

"In a time when attacks against human life are announced daily, it is important to proclaim that God, when making himself Man, invested seriously in our worth and dignity,” explains the Capuchinhos in a note about the new space “Hence the title of this Collection of nativity scenes.”

The note stresses the goal of "situating the nativity scene in the broader context of the Bible."

The Order of Minor Friars Capuchin is one of three branches of an order founded by St. Francis of Assisi. It has been present in Fátima since 1956.