Tributes as Archbishop Desmond Tutu dies at 90

SOUTH AFRICA – One of the most celebrated clergyman on the African continent, Archbishop Desmond Tutu is dead. He died earlier today in South Africa. He was 90.

 Already, the South African President, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolence to Mam Leah Tutu and the Tutu family at large, describing his passing as another loss of a generation of outstanding South Africans.

“The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell  to a generation of outstanding  South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa”, he said.

In his tribute, US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken said “I join President Biden and the First Lady in mourning the loss of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an extraordinary leader who joyously devoted his life to celebrating and advancing human dignity, justice, and morality. 

“He was unassuming but no less inspiring to the world”, he said, adding that Archbishop Tutu’s compassion, moral clarity, and uncompromising struggle against injustice and oppression helped guide his country out of the darkness of Apartheid and galvanized people around the world to stand up for what is right.

“ His voice will endure through the ages, and his legacy will continue to resonate as a gift to all humanity.  We can honor Archbishop Tutu by rededicating ourselves to the righteous work that guided his life:  advancing respect for human rights and dignity, strengthening equality, protecting fundamental freedoms, and fighting for racial justice.

“I offer my deepest condolences to Archbishop Tutu’s family, to the people of South Africa, and to the untold millions around the world who are joining together today to celebrate the life of a towering figure”, he said.