Nobel laureate, anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu passes away

Johannesburg, Dec 26 (IANS): Desmond Tutu, the world-famous South African Archbishop and also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has passed away at the age of 90.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “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.

“Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead.

“We pray that Archbishop Tutu’s soul will rest in peace but that his spirit will stand sentry over the future of our nation.”

The well-known Archbishop, Tutu was well known for his cheerful demanour, while always donning his purple clerical robes.

He was ordained as a priest in 1960, he went on to serve as bishop of Lesotho from 1976-78, assistant bishop of Johannesburg and rector of a parish in Soweto. He became Bishop of Johannesburg in 1985, and was appointed the first black Archbishop of Cape Town, the BBC reported.

Archbishop Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his efforts to end the apartheid system.

When Nelson Mandela became the President in 1994, Archbishop Tutu was appointed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up to investigate crimes committed by both whites and blacks during the apartheid era.

Lost a great man, who lived meaningful life: Dalai Lama 

Immediately on being informed that his “respected elder spiritual brother and good friend” Archbishop Desmond Tutu had passed away, His Holiness the Dalai Lama composed a letter to the Archbishop’s daughter, Mpho Tutu.

“Please accept my heartfelt condolences,” he wrote, “and convey the same to your mother and other members of your family. I pray for him.

“As you know, over the years, your father and I enjoyed an enduring friendship. I remember the many occasions we spent time together, including the week here at Dharamsala in 2015 when we were able to share our thoughts on how to increase peace and joy in the world. The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we cherished.

“Archbishop Desmond Tutu was entirely dedicated to serving his brothers and sisters for the greater common good. He was a true humanitarian and a committed advocate of human rights. His work for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was an inspiration for others around the world.

“With his passing away, we have lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life. He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him and keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others.”