As we mourn the death of Nelson Mandela, we readily pray for the repose of his soul and for the comfort of all who feel his loss most keenly: his family and, of course, the people of South Africa.
Many aspects of the life and achievement of Nelson Mandela are testimony to his greatness. Outstanding among them is the manner in which he endured long years of imprisonment, his determination to wait for his time to come and his astonishing lack of bitterness.
These qualities gave him the inner stability and resilience which characterised his life-time’s work. They are a great example to us in an age when immediacy of action and speed of result have become measures of success.
Lasting and profound change is not achieved in that way. This is a great legacy he has left for us all.
+Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster
