‘The Great Morale’: How the World Reacted to the Death of Desmond Tutu | News

The Death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, a veteran of the fight against apartheid and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has seen the condolences of leaders around the world.

Tutu died Sunday at the age of 90.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the death of 90-year-old Tutu on Sunday, saying his loss was “another part of our nation’s farewell to a generation of prominent South Africans who inherited a liberated South Africa”.

This is how the world reacted to the news of his death:

South Africa

“Desmond Tutu was an unparalleled patriot; a leader of principle and pragmatism, he gave meaning to the biblical view that faith without works is dead, ”Ramaphosa said.

John Steenhuisen, leader of the South African Opposition Democratic Alliance, said: “A real South African giant has left us today, but his spirit will live on in the daily kindness and constant effort we South Africans show to each other. , he was the moral compass that brought us back. ”

A true South African giant has left us, but his spirit will remain alive in the daily kindness that South Africans show to each other and in our ongoing efforts to build a unified, successful and non-racial SA for all.

Our deepest condolences to the Tutu family.#RIPDesmondTutu pic.twitter.com/BAINfNvlFn

– John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) December 26, 2021

Kenya

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said Tutu’s death was “a great blow not only to the Republic of South Africa, but also to the great African continent, where it is celebrated as a highly respected and peacemaker.”

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

Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, dedicated to South Africa’s anti-apartheid political leader and Tutu’s ally, praised the archbishop’s legacy.

“Our contributions to the fight against injustice, both locally and globally, are in line with his profound thinking about creating a liberating future for human societies. He was an extraordinary man. A thinker. A leader. A shepherd, ”he said.

Bernice King

The daughter of Martin Luther King, the American baptist minister and activist who campaigned for the rights of the black community, also shared her grief.

“I am saddened to learn of the death of a world sage, a human rights leader, and a powerful pilgrim on earth … we are better off because he was here,” said Bernice King.

Dalai Lama

The Tibetan spiritual leader of the Dalai Lama called Tutu a “true humanitarian.” In a letter to Mpho Tutu, Tutu’s daughter, the Dalai Lama said they had a lasting friendship, driven by a common desire for reconciliation.

“We lost a great man who had a really meaningful life. He was dedicated to serving others, especially those who were least fortunate. I am convinced that the best tribute we can pay to him and to keep his spirit alive is to do what he did and see how we can help others, ”wrote the Dalai Lama.

United Kingdom

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Tutu’s death as “very sad” and said he was a “critical figure” in defeating apartheid and building a new South Africa.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

He was a critical figure in the struggle against apartheid and the struggle to create a new South Africa, and will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and inability to good humor.

– Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 26, 2021

“He was a critical person in the struggle against apartheid and the struggle to create a new South Africa, and he will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and inability to have a good sense of humor,” Johnson said.

Norway

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said Tutu was “a great little man who showed the strength of reconciliation and forgiveness.”

“Tutu said that injustice and ill-treatment should not be forgotten, but at the same time, that we should not take revenge if a society were to move forward,” Stoer said.

Palestine Liberation Organization

Tutu recalled that Wasel Abu Yousef, a member of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, was “one of the greatest supporters of the Palestinian cause.”

“He has always defended the rights of Palestinians to freedom and rejected the Israeli occupation and apartheid,” Abu Youssef said.