South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed “his deep sadness” after the death of this “unequaled patriot”. Emmanuel Macron praised his fight “for the end of apartheid and South African reconciliation”.
The reactions are multiplying in homage to the Anglican South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, icon of the fight against apartheid and Nobel Peace Prize winner, after the announcement of his death, this Sunday at the age of 90.
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The “fight“By Desmond Tutu”for the end of apartheid and South African reconciliation will be remembered“Greeted French President Emmanuel Macron.
Joe and Jill Biden, saying for their part to have the “Broken Heart“, Estimated in a press release that”The example“By Desmond Tutu, who died on Sunday,”transcends borders and will find an echo through the ages“. The presidential couple also mentioned the “power of the message of justice, equality, truth and reconciliation»Worn by the Anglican Archbishop.
A figure who made history, according to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “He will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humor.“
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, for his part stressed that the Archbishop had “gave his life to freedom with a deep commitment to human dignity.“
One “friend“,”mentor” and “moral beacon“
Former United States President Barack Obama, another Nobel Peace Prize winner, also paid tribute to a “friend“,”mentor“ and “moral beacon“. “A universal spirit, Archbishop Tutu found his roots in the struggle for freedom and justice in his own country, but was also concerned about injustice wherever he found himself.“, he added.
Queen Elizabeth II also declared herself “deeply saddened“By the death of the archbishop, saluting his defense”tireless“Human rights as well as its”friendliness and humor“.
“The entire Royal Family join me in expressing our deep sorrow at the news of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man who tirelessly defended human rights in South Africa and around the worldSaid the 95-year-old sovereign, head of the Commonwealth of which South Africa is a part, in a message of condolence. “I fondly remember my meetings with him, his great friendliness and his humor“.
“Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders”
For the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, “Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders who adopted his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle.“
While Pope Francis said “commend one’s soul to the loving mercy of Almighty GodAnglican spiritual leader and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby praised his kind character. “In his laughter, we heard the joy of Jesus. It was beautiful and courageous. His greatest love is now realized as he meets his Lord face to face.“
“A life full of meaning“
The Dalai Lama paid homage to a “great man, who lived a meaningful life“,”fully dedicated to the service of his brothers and sisters“. “The friendship and spiritual bond between us was something we cherishedHe said of his old friend.
“The Sages have lost a dear friend, whose infectious laughter and mischievous sense of humor have delighted and charmed them all», Reacted in a statement the group of public figures working on the big world problems, founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. This one counts in its ranks Ban Ki Moon or Jimmy Carter, and Desmond Tutu was the first president.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier hailed the memory of a “wonderful man” and of “one of the foremost anti-apartheid, democracy and human rights fighters in the world“. Desmond Tutu, “one of the great figures of the twentieth century “, leaves” a legacy to all mankind», Wrote Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.