The planet bids farewell, with a multitude of moving messages, to the heroic English Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner and hero of the struggle against apartheid.
South Africa
President Cyril Ramafoza expressed “his deep sorrow for the death of this incomparable patriot.” His death “is a new chapter in mourning the farewell of a generation of outstanding South Africans who bequeathed us a liberated South Africa.”
“A man of extraordinary intelligence, whole and invincible to the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable to compassion for those who suffered (…) under the apartheid regime and the oppressed and oppressors of the whole world,” he said. of South Africa.
The Mandela Foundation spoke of an incalculable loss: “He was an extraordinary human being. Thinker. Leader. Shepherd”.
France
“The ‘battle’ of Desmond Tutu to end apartheid and South African reconciliation will be remembered,” French President Emanuel Macron wrote on Twitter. “He dedicated his life to Human Rights and the equality of peoples.”
Britain
“He was instrumental in the fight against apartheid and in the creation of a new South Africa. “We will remember him for his spiritual guidance and his irresistible joy,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote on Twitter, expressing his deep sorrow.
European Union
European Council President Charles Michel honored “a man who gave his life for freedom with a deep commitment to human dignity. A giant who rose to the height of apartheid “.
Norway
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Stere honored a man on Facebook “who showed the power of reconciliation and forgiveness”.
Kenya
President Uhuru Kenyatta said that “the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a severe blow not only to South Africa (…) but also to the entire African continent, where he is highly respected and hailed as the architect of peace.”
“Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders who took a non-violent approach to the liberation struggle.”
Uganda
“A giant has fallen. We thank God for his life – a full life he lived in the service of humanity “, wrote on Twitter Bobby Wayne, leader of the opposition.
Religious leaders
“In the eyes of Desmond Tutu, we saw the love of Jesus. In his voice, we heard the compassion of Jesus. In his laughter, we heard the joy of Jesus. He was charming and courageous. “His greatest love is now a reality, as he will meet face to face with the Lord,” said Canterbury Archbishop Justin Welby.
The Dalai Lama greeted a “great man who lived a life full of substance”, “completely devoted to the service of his brothers”. “The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we loved,” he said of his old friend.
Other reactions
The group of personalities that make up the group of Elders (“The Elders”) honored the South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, calling him an “inspiration” for the world. “His commitment to peace, love and equality” will remain.
Desmond Tutu, who died today at the age of 90, was the first president of the organization, which was founded in 2007 by Nelson Mandela and brings together well-known personalities working on global issues that are considered insurmountable.
“His death follows a long and courageous battle against the disease, which never bent his determination to fight against injustice in all its forms,” ​​the statement said.
“The Elders lost a precious friend, the contagious laughter and sly humor of which fascinated us all … The world has lost a source of inspiration, whose achievements will never be forgotten and its commitment to peace, love and fundamental equality of all human beings will continue to inspire future generations “.
Benis King, daughter of Martin Luther King, wrote on Twitter: “We are better because he was in this world.”
British musician Boy George said “happy to meet Desmond Tutu, a beautiful soul who gave me faith in the fact that some people have great power of love. An extraordinary man, a strong energy and one of the best children of God “.
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