Hitler and the Simpsons in the Nativity scene: the provocation of the parish priest of Mercogliano, Irpinia

A nativity scene with the Simpsons and with Hitler. Causing discussion in the village of Capocastello, in Mercogliano (Avellino), is the idea that Christmas takes on, and what’s more inside a church, an unusual and at the same time disturbing pop face. It is a provocative installation by neo-pop artist Piergiuseppe Pesce, set up in the church of Saints Peter and Paul, which sees the Simpsons as symbolic protagonists of the problems of our time, while the disturbing figure of Adolf Hitler crucified looms in the background.

The work, promoted by parish priest Fr. Vitaliano Della Sala and supported by the association “Per Grazia Ricevuta” under the artistic direction of Massimo Saveriano, is intended to be a representation with a strong visual and conceptual impact.

Each character in the nativity scene carries a message: Homer, with a gold necklace and watch, symbolizes organized crime; Marge, surrounded by handbags and designer clothes, represents unbridled consumerism; Bart recalls addiction to social and gambling, while Lisa, with an explosive belt, embodies the drama of war and terrorism. In the center, a baby Jesus on a skateboard becomes a symbol of hope and escape from darkness. In the background, a crucified Hitler appears as a dark shadow of the past and a warning for the future, evoking the risk of a new totalitarianism.

The artist and the message behind the work

Piergiuseppe Pesce, originally from Naples but living in Gualdo Tadino, is known for his style that mixes influences from the Dada movement, Pop Art and Neo-Pop. His works address the contradictions of contemporary society with a critical and ironic language, using symbols from popular culture to explore universal themes.

“This nativity scene,” he explains to the local news outlet Gualdo News, “is a religious representation that issues a warning. The Simpson family has often been considered forerunners of the times, and today’s humanity seems to be in danger of subjecting itself to a new dictator, but Baby Jesus, laid down on a skateboard instead of a manger, offers us a chance for salvation.”

The artist has previously collaborated with the Mercogliano community, where he exhibited the impressive installation “The Last Crusade. The Forgiveness,” which depicted more than 2,500 saints, madonnas and martyrs. Don Vitaliano Della Sala, promoter of the project, is no stranger to artistic provocations. A parish priest known for his progressive stances and willingness to combine social commitment and art, he has sparked controversy in the past for a nativity scene with two Madonnas, drawing criticism but also recognition for his courage in tackling complex issues.

Don Della Sala is not worried about the reactions the nativity scene might provoke. “First of all, it is a work of art by the master Pier Giuseppe Pesce,” he tells the Salerno edition of Corriere della Sera, “who makes works of pop art. So, you may like it or not, but anyway it is a work of art. Then each of the Simpsons embodies a plague. And Hitler represents a warning to humanity, which today is in danger again of succumbing to the dark evil, here represented by the fuhrer, of a new world war.” Each year, he explains, he proposes a particular nativity scene because “I want to send a message. Last year, with the two madonnas, a lot of nonsense was said mainly because they said there was no St. Joseph. But there was. I used to pose, in that case, the problem of families. Now this year, in addition to the war, I wanted to highlight the social and economic fragility of our families. And The Simpsons represents that.”

The installation immediately sparked heated debate. While many appreciate its courage and the depth of the message, others criticize it as an excessive provocation, disrespectful of the Christmas tradition. However, Fr. Vitaliano is not bothered by the criticism and, rather, appeals to politicians to demand more social justice for both Italians and foreigners, calls for more attention to jobs and support for the weakest. This is also what he wants Pesce’s crib to talk about.

Hitler and the Simpsons in the Nativity scene: the provocation of the parish priest of Mercogliano, Irpinia

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