World leaders have taken on social media to honour the late Archbishop Emeritus Desgrmond Tutu. They have praised him for his service to humanity and for inspiring millions of people across the globe.
It’s been a deluge of condolences from far and wide.
Here in Africa, African Union Commission chair, Moussa Faki Mahammat says Archbishop Tutu was a man of faith convinced in the power of reconciliation through restorative justice. He says the arch was a true shepherd of peace.
Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu says Tutu’s contribution to the liberation struggle and unwavering position to peace, unity, and good governance will forever be cherished.
Namibian President, Hage Geingob says the arch symbolized resilience and courage in the face of adversity and optimism during a period of hopelessness.
The @_AfricanUnion joins the people & Govt of #SouthAfrica in mourning the passing of Anti-Apartheid icon, Archbishop #DesmondTutu. A man of faith convinced in the power of reconciliation through restorative justice, the Arch was a true shepherd of peace. May he rest in peace.
— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) December 26, 2021
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) boss, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, also added his message, saying the late cleric was a peacemaker, a champion of justice and health equity.
My condolences go to the many people in ?? & worldwide whose lives have been touched by the late #DesmondTutu. Archbishop Tutu was a peacemaker, a champion of justice & health equity & a man whose great wisdom was matched only by his love devotion to helping others.
Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/PH7i3VhLLT— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 26, 2021
Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed says the arch was an embodiment of the struggle for liberation.
In Europe, Queen Elizabeth says she is saddened by Tutu’s passing as he tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across the world.
Prince Harry and Meghan say the arch will be remembered for his optimism, his moral clarity, and his joyful spirit. He was an icon for racial justice.
While British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the late icon was a critical figure in the fight against Apartheid.
A message of condolence from Her Majesty The Queen on the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 26, 2021
In America, US President Joe Biden has also added his condolences, saying Tutu followed his spiritual calling to create a better, free, and more equal world.
Former US President, Barack Obama says the late cleric was grounded in the struggle for liberation and justice in his own country. While Former US President, Bill Clinton says Tutu reminded us all that the search for justice begins in the heart.
United Nations boss, Antonio Guterres says Tutu was a towering global figure for peace and justice.
Talk show Oprah Winfrey says one of the greatest souls most peaceful has left the planet.
Today, we are heartbroken to learn of the passing of a true servant of God and of the people, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. We send our deepest condolences to the people of South Africa who are mourning this great loss.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 26, 2021
In Asia Tutu’s special friend, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says he was devoted to the service of others especially those who are least fortunate and we have lost a great man. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi says Tutu was a guiding light for countless people globally. Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan also paid tribute to archbishop emeritus saying his critical role in liberation and national reconciliation is an inspiration for future generations.
In Southern Africa, some countries are going hold special services to honour Tutu. Other cathedrals as far as Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, St Helena will also announce their memorial services in the coming days.
The arch may be gone but his rich legacy will continue to shine.
R.I.P Desmond Tutu | Tributes continue to pour in for the late Archbishop:
