Nelson Mandela: symbol of hope for the oppressed of the world

(Vatican Radio) Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s enduring icon of the struggle against racial oppression, died on Thursday night aged 95.


World leaders across the globe, including Pope Francis, have expressed their sorrow, remembered his life and paid tribute to his legacy.


listen to Linda Bordoni's report...


“My friends, comrades and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all”.


Speaking on February 11th, 1990, the day of his release from Pollsmore Prison in Cape Town, where he was jailed for 27 years, Nelson Mandela’s firm belief in peaceful negotiation led to the birth of a democratic South Africa.


His life and personal sacrifice in the name of justice and democracy made him a symbol of hope, freedom and of triumph over adversity, both in his home country and well beyond its borders.


Recognised throughout the world as a man of wisdom and compassion, and a promoter of human dignity and equality, Mandela was jointly awarded, together with De Klerk the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.


Countless men and women across the world have found inspiration in the life and in the ideals of Nelson Mandela. Like South African Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier who here refers to the establishment in 2009 of the annually observed Nelson Mandela International Day


"the Nelson Mandela is a way in which the whole world is acknowledging the great act of personal sacrifice that that a man made for, not only his own countrymen, but for all those who are in opression of any kind. We in South Africa are very proud that that aspect of Mandela's life is highlighted, and we hope it will be somthing that young people in particular will want to imitate and even emulate".


Someone who personally met Nelson Mandela and found inspiration in him, is fr. Michael Lapsley, founder of the Institute for Healing of Memories that seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations.


He describes Mandela not only as an extraordinary human being, but an embodiment of the best of South Africa …


"He was a product of our struggle, he not only led it - he embodied the best in us. I suppose what I have seen in Nelson Mandela, and increasingly what people of the world have seen, is a giant who sacrificed his life, not for himself but for others, so he has inspired me through much of my life...".