Christian celebration: Pope Benedict conducts holy mass at St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ.
Highlight of the Christian calendar: Pope Benedict conducts the service under the dome of St Peter’s.
Papal blessing: During the service, Pope Benedict highlighted his concern that the true meaning of Christmas had been lost.
Nativity scene: Spectators look on during the unveiling ceremony of the crib in St Peter’s Square earlier yesterday evening.
Sacred site: Nuns pray before the start of the Christmas mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
