Which Italian saint invented the Christmas crib?

It is said to have been popularized by Saint Francis of Assisi, who founded the Franciscan order. Being a great nature lover, the animals were featured in the crib setting. maybe this was the reason why they had the character ( Francis the talking Mule) in the movies. A live animal creche including the Equine hybrid was featured at St. John's church in Jersey City from l958 well into the sixties.