In case this video hasn’t passed through your social network yet, here is a two-and-a-half-minute, multilingual tribute to Pope Benedict XVI.

I counted messages from at least 37 countries, including those he visited for World Youth Day Celebrations, and from people of all ages.

If you’d like to try your hand at a foreign language or two, browse the more than 120 comments posted so far in response to the video. Feel free to leave your own as well.

There are also more than 40 farewell messages posted, largely in English, on xt3.com, the social networking site launched for World Youth Day 2008. They’re well presented within an “air mail” envelope graphic with promises of forwarding your message on to Rome. They address him as “Holy Father,” “Papa Benedict,” “Papa Benedetto,” and “our Gentle German Shepherd” and thank him for being at each World Youth Day and leading a “generation Benedict.”

Here are a couple of excerpts:

Thankyou – As an educated person, you brought knowledge & understanding to the faithful. In your resignation, we have an example of one with the strength to act for the greater good. God bless.
Katrina Pratt Feb. 25

Gracias, Papa Benedicto! I shall truly miss you!
Thank you for your love, wisdom and direction!
Wishes for a fruitful ministry ahead.
Lots of luv and hugs, Pinky (from Mumbai, India)
Pinky Mathews Feb. 25

Dearest Papa Ben, thank you from the deepest of my heart for your love and care for our Church. I am always inspired by your homily, letters, and love! You will always be in my prayers. Love you papa!
Meity Yang Feb. 25

Thank you, Your Holiness, for the past 8 years of dutiful service to God and His Church! I can say, without exaggeration, that during your time as Pope, the Faith was renewed and planted firmly in me.
Shawn Roche Feb. 22

You have taught us well by your eloquent words and eloquent example how to be humble servants in the Lord’s vineyard. I hope you will continue to write books! And I wish you peace and God’s blessing.
Moussa Taouk Feb. 21

Thank you for continuing with World Youth Day, for the Year of Faith, for preaching with your words and life what Christian life is all about: a living relationship with Christ nurtured in the Church.
Stephen Borja Feb. 20

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