Desmond Tutu
Born: October 7, 1931
Died: December 26, 2021
Though he was not Catholic, Desmond Tutu was an unabashed pillar of advocacy for equality and human rights during his life in South Africa. Tutu spent most of his life in southern Africa, leaving briefly after his ordination as an Anglican priest to study theology at King’s College in London. Upon his return (initially to Lesotho) in 1975, he was a fierce voice in the fight against racial inequality, apartheid, segregation, and violence. He served the Anglican Church in Africa in a variety of ways, perhaps most famously as the archbishop of Cape Town. His commitment to equality unfailing, Tutu stood alongside Nelson Mandela as the two successfully led negotiations to end apartheid. For his efforts to promote peace and justice, Tutu was deservedly awarded the Nobel Peace Price. Throughout his life, he served as the voice for the voiceless, a champion of those on the margins; embracing the dignity of the human person and being unafraid to fight for that dignity. There is much that any believer, any person of good will can learn from his prophetic witness.
More about Desmond Tutu:
No forgiveness, no future: An interview with Desmond Tutu
From the archives: Archbishop Desmond Tutu on chairing South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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