The Nobel Prize recipient was known for his anti-apartheid activism.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has died, aged 90.
The announcement was made by the South African Government on Sunday (26 December).
Tutu was the last surviving South African Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his work in South Africa during apartheid.
Following the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa, Tutu continued work as a human rights activist, speaking out in favour of Palestine, peace in the Middle East, and Tibet.
He criticised the church for their views on LGBTQI+ rights, at one point saying “If God, as they say, is homophobic, I wouldn’t worship that God”.
“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,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“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.
“A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world,” he added.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
A tireless campaigner for social justice & reconciliation, he was the conscience of South Africa and beyond.
His unshakeable faith in humanity brought people together in NI too, a vital part of our own peace process.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 26, 2021
Politicians from around the world have expressed their condolences, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” he said.
“A tireless campaigner for social justice & reconciliation, he was the conscience of South Africa and beyond.
“His unshakeable faith in humanity brought people together in NI too, a vital part of our own peace process,” he concluded.
Tutu had taken part in a program on BBC called Facing The Truth, where Troubles victims and perpetrators of the conflict met and had conversations facilitated by the Archbishop.
Tutu is survived by his wife, Mrs Nomalizo Leah Tutu, his four siblings, and their families.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
