Desmond Mpilo Tutu, born in 1931 in South Africa, rose from a humble background to become a globally respected moral and spiritual leader. Initially intending to become a teacher, Tutu turned to the Anglican priesthood after battling tuberculosis. Ordained in 1961, he later earned a Master of Theology from King’s College in London.
His religious platform became a powerful voice against apartheid. As Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral and later General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, he led peaceful resistance against the regime, calling for international sanctions and advocating nonviolence inspired by Christian teachings and Gandhi.
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, Tutu became Archbishop of Cape Town in 1986, further elevating his influence. After apartheid ended, he chaired South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, promoting healing through truth-telling and forgiveness.
In later years, Tutu continued to speak out against government corruption, global injustices, and human rights abuses. He co-founded The Elders with Nelson Mandela to promote peace worldwide. He passed away in 2021 at age 90, remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.