Vatican City, 8 May 2016 – After today's Regina Coeli prayer, the Pope commented that today is the fiftieth World Social Communications Day, instituted by Vatican Council II. Indeed, the Council Fathers, reflecting on the Church in the contemporary world, understood the crucial importance of communications, that are able to "build bridges between individuals and within families, social groups and peoples. This is possible both in the material world and the digital world", as this year's Message states. Francis addressed a cordial greeting to all workers in the field of communications, and expressed his hope that "our form of communicating in the Church may always have a clear evangelical style, a style that unites truth and mercy".

Today many countries celebrate Mothers' Day, and the Holy Father remembered all mothers with gratitude and affection – "those who are in the Square today, to our mothers, those who are still with us and those who have gone to heaven" – entrusting them to Mary, Mother of Jesus. He invited those present to pray a Hail Mary for mothers all over the world.