Pope Francis used his first Christmas address to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square to call for a better world.

The Pope spoke to an estimated 70,000 people calling for peace in parts of the world ravaged by conflict including Syria, South Sudan, Nigeria, Iraq and the Central African Republic.  The Pope prayed that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would “bless the land where You chose to come into the world and grant a favorable outcome to the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.”

The Pope said that true peace only comes through daily commitment to caring for those around you and for showing Jesus in life, word and deed.

The Pope reminded everyone that the choice is before you to follow darkness or follow light.

“In our personal history too, there are both bright and dark moments, lights and shadows. If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light; but if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us and around us,” the Pope said.

However, the Pope added if you had previously chosen darkness, it was never too late to turn to the light.

“Do not be afraid! Our Father is patient, he loves us, he gives us Jesus to guide us on the way which leads to the promised land. Jesus is the light who brightens the darkness. He is our peace,” the Pope declared.