US President Joe Biden leads tributes after death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

World leaders have paid tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu after his death at the age of 90.

US President Joe Biden praised the “courage and moral clarity” of the South African anti-apartheid campaigner, who died on Sunday in Cape Town.

Queen Elizabeth, Barack Obama and Pope Francis also paid tribute to Tutu, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in helping to end Apartheid in South Africa.

“On this morning after Christmas, we are heart-broken to learn of the passing of a true servant of God and of the people, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa,” said President Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden.

“We were blessed to spend time with him on several occasions over the past many years. His courage and moral clarity helped inspire our commitment to change American policy towards the repressive Apartheid regime in South Africa.

“We felt his warmth and joy when we visited him during the 2010 World Cup that celebrated the diversity and beauty of his beloved nation. And, just a few months ago, we joined the world in celebrating his 90th birthday and reflecting on the power of his message of justice, equality, truth, and reconciliation as we confront racism and extremism in our time today.

“On behalf of the Biden family, we send our deepest condolences to his wife Leah and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And on behalf of the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to the people of South Africa who are mourning the loss of one of their most important founding fathers.

“May God bless Archbishop Desmond Tutu.”

Former US President Obama called Tutu “a mentor, a friend and a moral compass for me and so many others”.

He said: “A universal spirit, Archbishop Tutu was grounded in the struggle for liberation and justice in his own country, but also concerned with injustice everywhere.

"He never lost his impish sense of humour and willingness to find humanity in his adversaries, and Michelle and I will miss him dearly."

The UK's Queen Elizabeth remembered Tutu’s “great warmth and humour”. She said: "I am joined by the whole royal family in being deeply saddened by the news of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man who tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across the world.

"Archbishop Tutu’s loss will be felt by the people of South Africa, and by so many people in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and across the Commonwealth, where he was held in such high affection and esteem."

The Vatican said Pope Francis was “saddened” to learn of Tutu’s death. “Mindful of his service to the gospel through the promotion of racial equality and reconciliation in his native South Africa, his Holiness commends his soul to the loving mercy of Almighty God," it said.

US Vice President Kamala Harris said Tutu “inspired millions, not just in South Africa, but worldwide to stand with those fighting for freedom and justice."

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said of Tutu: "His contributions to struggles against injustice, locally and globally, are matched only by the depth of his thinking about the making of liberator futures for human societies. He was an extraordinary human being. A thinker. A leader. A shepherd."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called Tutu “a towering global figure for peace and justice, voice of the voiceless and inspiration to people everywhere”.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "He was a critical figure in the fight against Apartheid and in the struggle to create a new South Africa - and will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humour."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Tutu an "extraordinary leader who joyously devoted his life to celebrating and advancing human dignity, justice and morality".

Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop Of Cape Town said Tutu's legacy was "moral strength, moral courage and clarity".

"He felt with the people. In public and alone, he cried because he felt people's pain. And he laughed – no, not just laughed, he cackled with delight when he shared their joy," he said.