The international community has expressed their condolences following the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Tutu was the last surviving South African laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize and passed away in Cape Town on Sunday, December 26.
In a tweet, the United States of America Embassy in South Africa conveyed its condolences indicating that Tutu was the conscience of his generation and will be greatly missed.
“On behalf of the U.S. Mission to South Africa, we extend our deepest condolences to Mrs Nomalizo Leah Tutu and the family of Archbishop Desmond Tutu on his passing. We join South Africa and the global community in honouring a man who spent his life fearlessly speaking truth to power.
“From his work against apartheid in South Africa to his championing of democracy, freedom and human rights, and advocacy for those still living under the scourge of homophobia, racism or xenophobia,” the embassy said.
Former US President Barack Obama said the Archbishop was a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass to him and so many others.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others. A universal spirit, Archbishop Tutu was grounded in the struggle for liberation and justice in his own country, but also concerned with injustice everywhere. pic.twitter.com/qiiwtw8a5B
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 26, 2021
Also read: Desmond Tutu described as an embodiment of faith
The Elders, an international grouping of inspirational leaders who have done human rights work in countries around the world, described Tutu as a dear friend and colleague.
“Arch, as he liked to be called, was the first Chair of The Elders from 2007-2013. He played a vital role in shaping the organisation, its values and its work. Like The Elders’ founder, Nelson Mandela, Arch was an implacable and tenacious opponent of apartheid. His years of struggle in South Africa made him a fierce defender of equality and human rights worldwide,” it said in a statement.
According to the former President of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the African continent has lost an icon with the passing of Tutu.
“Africa has lost an icon, a father to us all who fought injustice and oppression in all its forms and inspired a generation to strive for a more equal society. May he rest in everlasting peace,” she said.
Also read: City Hall to hold inter-faith service in honour of the late Desmond Tutu
India’s President Shri Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his condolences saying that Tutu’s life will inspire generations to come.
Deeply saddened by Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s demise. Influenced by Gandhiji, he brought spiritual values to the anti-apartheid struggle and upheld noblest ideals of humanity. His life will inspire generations. Condolences to his followers in South Africa and across the globe.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 26, 2021
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson described Tutu as a critical figure in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to create a new South Africa. Johnson said Tutu will be remembered, “for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humour.”
Meanwhile, Tutu’s ashes will be interred on New Year’s Day in the St George’s Cathedral church, the same church where he was installed as archbishop of Cape Town in 1986.
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