Thousands of people gathered in front of Saint
Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve for the unveiling of the Nativity
Scene. Entitled “Francis 1223 – Francis 2013”, traditional display recalls the world’s first nativity scene set up 790 years ago by Italy’s popular patron St. Francis of Assisi, whose name and humble lifestyle Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio assumed on being elected Pope.
This year’s Nativity Scene was crafted by artisans from the southern Italian city of Naples, which is famous for its Christmas displays.