The next biggest language group were in Italian (13,000) and Spanish (6,000).
The messages, sent to benedictxvi@vatican.va and other similar addresses, were also written in German, Portuguese and French.
Striking among the messages are some from nonbelievers who request prayers. Others are from Catholics who assure their prayers and thank the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger for having accepted the mission to be Pope.
There are also messages from young people, who wish him «all the best.»
