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Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a South African human rights activist passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday.

The activist earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for fervently fighting against racism and institutionalized segregation at the hands of the oppressive white minority that occupied South Africa.

Tutu, a clergyman, used his influence at the pulpit to speak out against racial injustice all over the world, as well as being a prominent ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Tutu was also known for his support of Palestinian people in their fight against oppression from the Israel government.

Nelson Mandela and Tutu were close partners in their fight against institutionalized racism in South Africa, and after Mandela became the country’s first Black president, Tutu spearheaded the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which exposed the truth about the white minority’s oppressive rule over the country and it’s majority Black inhabitants.

“His contributions to struggles against injustice, locally and globally, are matched only by the depth of his thinking about the making of liberatory futures for human societies,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation said in a statement. 

The cause of death has not yet been made clear, but the activist was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1990’s and has been hospitalized several times to receive treatment.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a statement on Sunday:

On this morning after Christmas, 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 were blessed to spend time with him on several occasions over the past many years. His courage and moral clarity helped inspire our commitment to change American policy toward the repressive Apartheid regime in South Africa. We felt his warmth and joy when we visited him during the 2010 World Cup that celebrated the diversity and beauty of his beloved nation. And, just a few months ago, we joined the world in celebrating his 90th birthday and reflecting on the power of his message of justice, equality, truth, and reconciliation as we confront racism and extremism in our time today.
 

Born to a school teacher and a laundress and into poverty and entrenched racial segregation, Desmond Tutu followed his spiritual calling to create a better, freer, and more equal world. His legacy transcends borders and will echo throughout the ages.

On behalf of the Biden family, we send our deepest condolences to his wife Leah and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And on behalf of the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to the people of South Africa who are mourning the loss of one of their most important founding fathers.
 
May God bless Archbishop Desmond Tutu.