Thousands pack St. Peter's Square to see the recently inaugurated Vatican Christmas tree and nativity scene just days before Christmas.br br And like many Sundays before, Pope Francis greets a roaring crowd and prays for peace on earth.br br (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS, SAYING:br br "We entrust ourselves to the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, to live a truly Christian Christmas, free from all worldliness, ready to receive the Lord, our God with us."br br As usual, Pope Francis asked for everyone's prayers.br br (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS, SAYING:br br "I wish you all a good Sunday and a Christmas of hope, with the doors open to the Lord. A Christmas of joy and fraternity. Please do not forget to pray for me! I wish you a good lunch, Goodbye!"br br The Vatican's 25-and-a-half-meter-tall tree came from the majestic Sila mountains of the Southern Calabria region while the crib figures came from the town of Verona.