Obama lauds Archbishop Tutu as "moral titan"

U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday lauded Archbishop Desmond Tutu as "a moral titan" on the occasion of his retirement from public life.

"For decades he has been a moral titan - a voice of principle, an unrelenting champion of justice, and a dedicated peacemaker," Obama said in a statement. "He played a pivotal role in his country's struggle against apartheid and extraordinary example of pursuing a path to forgiveness and reconciliation in the new South Africa."

Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, announced his plan in July to retire on the occasion of his 79th birthday.

"He has also been an outspoken voice for freedom and justice in countries across the globe, a staunch defender of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and an advocate for treatment and prevention programs to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS," Obama said. "We will miss his insight and his activism, but will continue to learn from his example."

Source: Xinhua