The annual Vatican Christmas nativity tableau this year includes a poignant reminder of an Italian tragedy: a spire from one of the churches damaged and destroyed in this year's earthquakes.

The nativity scene was unveiled on Friday in St Peter's Square. It includes the spire of St Benedict's Basilica in Norcia, the town closest to the epicentre of the October earthquake, with rubble from the building.

In August nearly 300 people were killed by the deadliest earthquake to hit Italy for decades.

The nativity scene was donated by the government and Archdiocese of Malta and features a replica of a tradtional "luzzu" or Maltese boat, representing the island's seafaring tradition.

It was created by Manwel Grech, from Gozo, Malta, who won the commission in an open competition. The scene contains resin statues of Maltese figures and a menagerie of animals.

Grech said he wanted Mary to have a peaceful face because "when you see Jesus, you relax". He tried to give Joseph a look of pride.

Pope Francis said the boat also represents "the sad and tragic reality of migrants on boats headed toward Italy".

"In the painful experience of these brothers and sisters, we revisit that [experience] of baby Jesus, who at the time of his birth did not find accommodation and was born in a grotto in Bethlehem and then was brought to Egypt to escape Herod's threat."

Offerings left at the nativity scene will go toward rebuilding the church at Norcia.

St Peter's Square also features a Christmas tree donated by the Italian province of Trent. It is decorated with ceramic ornaments made by children being treated in several Italian hospitals.