World Leaders Remember Desmond Tutu, President Biden Missing From Condolences

On December 26, Desmond Tutupassed away at the age of 90 in Capetown.

Archbishop Tutu won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his non-violent opposition to the apartheid in South Africa.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1990s. In recent years, he was hospitalized several times due to infections related to his cancer treatments; however, his cause of death was not disclosed.

World leaders took to social media to express their condolences and remember the late Nobel Prize Laureate.

President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, gave a lengthy speech addressing his passing, saying, "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."

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, tweeted, “Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a guiding light for countless people globally. His emphasis on human dignity and equality will be forever remembered. I am deeply saddened by his demise, and extend my heartfelt condolences to all his admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”

President of France, Emmanuel Macron, tweeted, “Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1984, Desmond Tutu dedicated his life to human rights and the equality of peoples. His fight for the end of apartheid and South African reconciliation will be remembered.”

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, tweeted, “My deepest condolences on the passing of Archbishop Demond Tutu, Nobel Laureate, close confidant of Nelson Mandela, an icon of anti-apartheid struggle & champion of human rights. His critical role in liberation and national reconciliation are an inspiration for future generations.”

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, wrote, "Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the spiritual leader of the anti-apartheid movement. He believed in human dignity & the power of freedom to create a new nation. His deep faith was his powerhouse that made the world a better place. Thank you and ‘well done good and faithful servant’."

Swedish Foreign Leader Ann Linde wrote, "Rest in peace Desmond Tutu, a man who relentlessly fought against apartheid. A pragmatic leader with a key role towards peace and stability and who championed human rights throughout his life. He will continue to be an inspiration for many generations to come."

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, BorisJohnson, tweeted, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was a critical figure in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to create a new South Africa - and will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humour."

Leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, tweeted, "Desmond Tutu was a tower of a man, and a leader of moral activism. He dedicated his life to tackling injustice and standing up for the oppressed. His impact on the world crosses borders and echoes through generations. May he rest in peace."

Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison, wrote, “Growing up in the 80s, there were certain folks that left an impression on not only your mind but also your heart. Archbishop #DesmondTutu embodied virtue, strength, peace & justice. He was a role model for how one serves God while shepherding God’s people. #RestInPower.”

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, tweeted, "Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others. A universal spirit, Archbishop Tutu was grounded in the struggle for liberation and justice in his own country, but also concerned with injustice everywhere."

Current President Joe Biden has yet to issue a statement regarding his passing.