Nobel Laureate and Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in his tribute captured the feelings of millions across the world as the outpouring of grief continued over the death, late last night, of former South African President Nelson Mandela at the age of 95.

People cared about Mandela and loved him because of his courage, convictions and his caring ways for others, said Tutu.

“Certainly, he was exceptional, but the spirit of greatness that he personified resides in all of us. Human beings are made for greatness,” Tutu said in a statement issued by his foundation.

“Nelson Mandela embodied and reflected our collective greatness. He embodied our hopes and our dreams. He symbolised our enormous potential, potential that has not always been fulfilled,” he added.

The firebrand cleric extended his thanks to the Mandela family for sharing iconic leader with South Africa and the world.

“To Tata Mandela’s beloved wife Graca Machel, his former wife Winnie Madikizela, the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren... we express our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your... patriarch,” Tut said, adding:

“Although we collectively claim him as the father of our nation, and the pain we feel is similar to that of losing a close relative, he was your husband, your father and your grandfather.”

Tutu prayed that God would dry the family’s tears and renew their strength. “We thank you for sharing Tata with us and we thank God for him.”

Tutu, himself an anti-apartheid veteran, said Mandela had transcended race and class in his personal actions, through his willingness to listen. “We are relieved that his suffering is over, but our relief is drowned by our grief. May he rest in peace and rise in glory,” he said.

•Photo shows Mandela.