St. Peter's Square
will be thronged with
visitors later tonight...

...when the Pope delivers
his famous Midnight Mass.

The nativity scene remains obscured, covered by
a large sheet, until dusk.

At 36 meters, this is the tallest
Christmas tree ever placed here.

Finally, our patience in
the crowd is rewarded...

...as the covering is removed
from the nativity scene...

...and volunteers carry
the sheets and rope away.

This year's display is a
traditional one, depicting the
famous manger scene with a
few houses around it.

After the unveiling, a Roman police band marches out playing.

I'm shocked that the first Christmas song they play
is a secular one.

Local kids of all ages fill
the front of the entire crowd.

Choirs sing.

Then here come some
hip-hop dancers...

...because nothing says the birth of our Lord like the pop-and-lock.

Take a bow, young performers who were here for no good reason whatsoever.

All the activities are being transmitted live to these big screens around the piazza.