Pope Francis is wishing for a better world, with peace for the land of Jesus’ birth, for Syria and Africa, as well as for the dignity of migrants and refugees fleeing misery and conflict.

In his Christmas message today, the pope spoke from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to tens of thousands of people in the square below.

Francis singled out Syria, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Nigeria and Iraq as places ravaged by conflict.

And he also prayed for fruitful peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

The pope said he was joining in the song of Christmas angels with all those hoping “for a better world,” and with those who “care for others, humbly.”