(Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images)
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Desmond Tutu passed away over the weekend at the age of 90. Tutu is best known for his advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities across South Africa. Most notably, his activism played a pivotal role in the end of brutal regime of oppression against Black South Africans known as apartheid.
After learning of Tutu’s passing, a number of world leaders issued statements honoring the activist’s work to end oppression in South Africa and across the world. President Joe Biden referred to Tutu as a “true servant of God and of the people.”
“We felt his warmth and joy when we visited him during the 2010 World Cup that celebrated the diversity and beauty of his beloved nation,” the President wrote, according to The Hill.
“And, just a few months ago, we joined the world in celebrating his 90th birthday and reflecting on the power of his message of justice, equality, truth, and reconciliation as we confront racism and extremism in our time today.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also mourned Tutu’s death, calling him a “a patriot without equal.” The Elders, a global human rights groups that former South African President Nelson Mandela, and the Anglican Church of South Africa also issued statements honoring Tutu.
“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,” former President Barack Obama tweeted.
“He never lost his impish sense of humor and willingness to find humanity in his adversaries, and Michelle and I will miss him dearly.”
