Pope Francis afanya misa yake ya kwanza ya krisimasi toka awe kiongozi wa kanisa katoliki duniani

Pope Francis celebrates the Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican while thousands of worshippers watch the televised

service

Holding the crib effigy of the infant Jesus, Pope Francis delivered a service in which he encouraged people to open their hearts to God and their fellow man

In his first Christmas service since becoming leader of the Catholic Church the Pope kisses a statue of the baby Jesus

Pope Francis celebrated the service with over 300 cardinals and priests. The 77-year-old urged people not to be afraid to reach out to God

Tonight's service is the only public Mass the pope will hold over Christmas. He is due to address worshippers on Christmas Day from the basilica's central balcony overlooking St Peter's Square

Pope Francis carried the statue of the baby to a manger instead of enlisting an aide. He then kissed its knee in celebration of the birth of Christ in his first Christmas service since being elected

A man and woman play a nativity scene during the official unveiling of the crib in St Peter's Square are the Vatican

A band begins to play at the crib scene as it is unveiled next to a Christmas tree in St Peter's Square at the Vatican

The traditional nativity scene was unveiled in Vatican city, Rome, today as thousands gathered in the capital to celebrate Christmas