The world pays homage to Desmond Tutu


Politicians around the world pay unanimous tribute this Sunday to Desmond Tutu, who died at the age of 90.

The reactions multiplied in homage to the South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, icon of the fight against apartheid and Nobel Peace Prize winner, after the announcement of his death on Sunday at the age of 90.

– President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed “his deep sadness at the death” of this “unequaled patriot”. His death “is a new chapter of mourning in our nation’s farewell to a generation of exceptional South Africans who left us a liberated South Africa.”

“A man of extraordinary intelligence, upright and invincible against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered (…) under apartheid, and for the oppressed and the oppressors around the world, ”Ramaphosa recalled.

– The Mandela Foundation called his loss “immeasurable”: “He was larger than life (…) He was an extraordinary human being. A thinker. A leader. A shepherd”.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu”.

“He was an essential figure in the struggle against apartheid and in the struggle for the creation of a new South Africa. We will remember him for his spiritual leadership and his irrepressible good humor,” he said. added.

President Uhuru Kenyatta considered that “the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a blow not only to the Republic of South Africa, where he leaves behind him a huge imprint as a hero in the struggle against apartheid , but also for the entire African continent, where he is deeply respected and celebrated as a peacemaker. ”

“Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders who adopted his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle,” he said.

For Bobi Wine, leader of the Ugandan opposition, “the news of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is very sad”. “A giant has fallen. We thank God for his life – a full life, truly lived in the service of humanity,” he wrote on Twitter.

Religious tributes

– Anglican spiritual leader and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby: “In Desmond Tutu’s eyes we saw the love of Jesus. In his voice we heard the compassion of Jesus. 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. “

– The Dalai Lama greeted a “great man, who lived a life full of meaning”, “entirely devoted to the service of his brothers and sisters”. “The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we cherished,” he said of his old friend.

– The “Sages” group, created in 2007 by Nelson Mandela and which brings together public figures working on major world problems, paid tribute to the Archbishop, an “inspiration” for the world whose “commitment to peace, l love and equality “will continue” to inspire future generations “.

“The Wise Men have lost a dear friend, whose contagious laughter and mischievous sense of humor have delighted and charmed them all”, reacted in a statement the group which counts in its ranks Ban Ki Moon or Jimmy Carter, and whose Desmond Tutu was the first president.

– BOY GEORGE: the British musician said he was “happy” to have had the chance to meet Desmond Tutu. “He was indeed a beautiful soul who gave me faith in the fact that some humans have a great force of love. An amazing man, a powerful energy and one of the best (children, editor’s note) of God! RIP “

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