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Pope Francis, who in his very first speech after being made pope asked the faithful to pray for him, on Sunday (December 14) provided the Roman Catholics with further means to pray, while addressing crowds of cheering pilgrims during his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square.
The pope also marked the second Advent Sunday holding up a candle to mark a Polish tradition and blessing baby Jesus figurines Italian children traditionally place in their Christmas cribs.
"And now, with affection, I greet the children who have come here for the blessing of the Baby Jesus figurines," he said, with the children in the square holding up their figurines and cheering.
"Dear children, I thank you for your presence and I wish you a Merry Christmas!" the pope said, smiling and waving at the children.
