Pope Francis has sent his condolences for the death of retired Anglican Archbishop and anti-apartheid leader Desmond Tutu.
Tutu, who fought for an end to racial segregation in his native South Africa, died Dec. 26 at the age of 90.
A note signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, extending his heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Mindful of his service to the Gospel through the promotion of racial equality and reconciliation in his native South Africa, His Holiness commends his soul to the loving mercy of Almighty God.
Upon all who mourn his passing in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection, Pope Francis invokes the Divine blessings of peace and consolation in the Lord Jesus.
In 1995, Mandela, then South Africa’s president, named Tutu, the president of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, responsible for gathering evidence of apartheid-era crimes. END
