( CNN ) -- Pope Francis does n't want a commonly quoted Bible verse chanted as empty words on Christmas Day -- the one about peace on Earth . `` Glory to God in the highest heaven , and on earth peace among those whom he favors , '' heavenly hosts proclaimed when Christ was born , according to the Vatican translation . The pontiff told tens of thousands of people gathered in front of the Vatican on Wednesday where he wants that peace to happen -- in Syria , South Sudan , the Central African Republic and the Holy Land . False pretenses wo n't do . `` True peace is not a balance of opposing forces . It is not a lovely 'facade ' which conceals conflicts and divisions . Peace calls for daily commitment , '' Francis said in his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message . The Urbi et Orbi address is customarily political and global , as its name indicates . It is Latin and means `` to the city ( of Rome ) and to the world . '' Popes give the address and blessing on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas . Vatican TV estimated that about 150,000 attended the blessing in St. Peter 's Square , which marked Francis ' first Christmas celebration as pope . He asked Jesus to inspire peace in warring factions around the world . `` Prince of Peace , in every place turn hearts aside from violence and inspire them to lay down arms and undertake the path of dialogue . '' He also continued his criticism of money-driven evils . `` Lord of heaven and earth , '' he prayed , `` look upon our planet , frequently exploited by human greed and rapacity . '' Pray for peace . Francis asked Christians to pray for an end to the violence and suffering in Syria and for humanitarian aid to get through to its people . He prayed for people dying of hunger , thirst and violence in the Central African Republic to find an end to war and poverty . He also addressed a new armed conflict . `` Foster social harmony in South Sudan , where current tensions have already caused numerous victims and are threatening peaceful coexistence in that young state , '' he prayed . He asked God to have mercy on civilians killed in Nigeria and Iraq and prayed that Israelis and Palestinians find peace together in `` the land where you chose to come into the world . '' Francis remembered refugees fleeing conflicts and misery in Africa who died off the coast of Italy when their overfilled boats capsized before reaching the town of Lampedusa . He prayed for those who lost entire families and homes to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines . Pope adored . The massive turnout on Christmas Day mirrored the popularity Francis has enjoyed since becoming head of the Catholic Church . His reputation for being down to earth and genuinely caring about people has touched a chord with millions . Christmas Eve was no different . There was a record number of requests to attend this year 's Christmas Eve Mass , the Vatican said . `` People are listening to him , because he 's speaking in a language that 's not Vaticanese , '' said Gerard O'Connell , a Vatican analyst . `` He 's speaking the language of ordinary people . '' The Pope preached Tuesday evening on love , forgiveness and facing life with bravery and with God 's help . `` To us the Lord repeats , 'Do not be afraid . ' ... And I , too , repeat , do not be afraid , ' '' Francis said . He called on the throngs gathered at St. Peter 's Basilica on Tuesday to cast aside hatred . `` 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 . '' Reforms , surprises . Nine months into his papacy , much has been made of the Pope 's reforms , among them more scrutiny at the Vatican bank , changes to the church 's bureaucratic structure , and a commission to deal with the abuse of minors . And while this year 's Christmas liturgy remains the same , experts say we should expect the unexpected . `` He tends to be a surprise , because he does things that are normal , but are very abnormal in terms of the papacy , '' O'Connell said . `` He brought three homeless men into where he is living to have breakfast with him on his birthday . ... I suspect we will see something else again over the Christmas period . '' The festivities began on Saturday , with the Pope 's Christmas message to the Curia . He urged the church 's governing body to avoid gossip and to focus on service . And then he practiced what he preached , spending three hours at a local hospital bringing Christmas cheer to sick children .
`` Peace calls for the Christmas period commitment , '' The Urbi et Orbi says in his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message . Make it in Israel , South Sudan , the Latin territories , South Sudan , he says . The Urbi et Orbi address is customarily political and global , as its name indicates . It is Latin and means `` to the city ( of Rome ) and to the world ''