South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning racial justice activist Desmond Tutu and the retired Anglican Archbishop in Cape Town has passed away, Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President, announced on Sunday. His age was 90.

An uncompromising foe of apartheid — South Africa’s brutal regime of oppression against the Black majority — Tutu worked tirelessly, though non-violently, for its downfall.

This charismatic, outspoken minister used his pulpit in the role of first Black bishop of Johannesburg. Later, he was Archbishop of Cape Town. He also held frequent protests against racism to rally public opinion at home and abroad.

Tutu’s passing on Sunday is “another chapter in the nation’s final farewells to an outstanding generation of South Africans that have left us a free South Africa.” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

The Arch was a champion for universal human rights, from the streets of South Africa’s resistance to the pulpits at the great churches and places of worship around the globe, as well as the setting of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

After being diagnosed in 1997 with prostate cancer, Tutu was hospitalized multiple times. His wife Leah and he lived together in Cape Town for many years.

Throughout the 1980s — when South Africa was gripped by anti-apartheid violence and a state of emergency giving police and the military sweeping powers — Tutu was one of the most prominent Blacks able to speak out against abuses.

Tutu’s tough messages could be lightened with a lively wit that warmed grim marches, funerals, or protests. He was short, strong, determined, and tenacious. Apartheid leaders did not underestimate his ability to quote apt scriptures in order to gain support for righteous change.

His 1984 Nobel Peace Prize nomination highlighted his status as one the greatest champions of human rights around the globe, an obligation he held for the remainder of his life.

Tutu hails South Africa’s multicultural society and celebrates its end to apartheid. In 1994 South Africa held the first democratic elections. This phrase reflects the moment’s giddy optimism.

Tutu is often called “the Arch” despite being a small, impish person with a sense of humor. But he was an important figure in South Africa’s history. He can be compared to Nelson Mandela, who was held under white rule and became South Africa’s first Black president. Mandela and Tutu shared the same commitment to creating a more egalitarian South Africa.

Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after spending 27 years behind bars. He spent the first night in freedom in Tutu’s Cape Town residence. Mandela later called Tutu, “the people’s Archbishop.”

Mandela made Tutu the chairman of Truth and Reconciliation Commission after he became president in 1994. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission exposed abuses within the apartheid regime.

Tutu was an international advocate for human rights.

He stated that he would not worship any God homophobic, and this was how he felt about it in 2013 when launching a campaign in Cape Town for LGBT rights. “I refuse to visit a homophobic heaven.” Yes, but I would rather say “Sorry, it’s not my place.”

Tutu claimed that he felt “as passionate (for LGBT rights),” as he ever was for apartheid. It is on the same level for me.” His advocacy for LGBT rights was a prominent role model among religious leaders. Tutu was criticized for his public support of LGBT rights. He faced opposition from many South Africans, as well as those within the Anglican Church.

Tutu stated that South Africa was a nation with promise and racial reconciliation. However, he became disillusioned by the African National Congress (the anti-apartheid group that won the 1994 election) which became his ruling party. Even after apartheid ended, his outspoken comments sometimes upset partisans.

Tutu felt particularly upset at the refusal by South African officials to issue a visa for the Dalai Lama. The decision prevented him from attending Tutu’s 80th celebrations and the planned meeting of Nobel laureates. South Africa has rejected Tutu’s claim that it is bowing to China’s pressure, which would have been a big trading partner.

Tutu was vocal in his defense of the reconciliation strategy that brought an end to white minority rule. However, this came amid growing frustration by some South Africans who were not seeing the promised economic benefits and opportunities since the end of apartheid. Tutu chaired Truth and Reconciliation Commission which examined atrocities committed under apartheid and allowed amnesty to some of them. But some feel that there should be more prosecutions for former white officials.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a man who was born in Klerksdorp on October 7, 1931. He became a teacher, before he entered St. Peter’s Theological College Rosetenville, where he trained as a priest in 1958. In 1961, he was ordained. Six years later, Tutu became University of Fort Hare’s Chaplain. After moving to Lesotho, a small southern African kingdom, and Britain in the following years Tutu returned home to his homeland in 1975. Tutu was elected bishop of Lesotho in 1985 and chairman of the South African Council of Churches in 1986. He also became the first Black Anglican Bishop of Johannesburg in 1985 and the first Black archbishop of Cape Town in 1986. He promoted homosexual priests, and ordained women priests.

In 1980, Tutu was detained for participating in protests. Later his passport was confiscated. Tutu was able to get his passport back in time for visits to Europe and America, where he spoke with U.N. secretary general, the pope, and other religious leaders.

Tutu demanded international sanctions on South Africa, and talks to end conflict.

Tutu was often the one to conduct the funerals of victims of the massacres during the negotiations period 1990-1994. His rage against political violence between black and white was evident when he asked the crowds: “Why aren’t we doing it to ourselves?” After the 1992 Boipatong massacre that killed 42 people, Tutu managed to calm the anger of the thousands. He led the crowd in singing songs of love for God and their own hearts.

Mandela was elected president of South Africa in 1994. He asked Tutu for the headship of the truth commission that would promote reconciliation. Hear horrific testimony regarding torture, killings, and other atrocities committed during apartheid. Tutu wept during some hearings.

He said that “Without forgiveness there is no tomorrow.” Although the majority of the blame was laid on apartheid forces, the 1998 commission report also found that the African National Congress had committed human rights violations. Tutu rebuked ANC’s attempt to prevent the release of the document. Tutu stated that he didn’t fight to get rid of one group who believed they were Tin Gods, but to make room for others who might be tempted to believe they are.

Tutu and Leah renewed their 1955 marriage vows in July 2015. Four of the Tutus’ children, along with other relatives, surrounded Leah and Tutu during a church service. Tutu said, “You can clearly see that we followed biblical injunctions: We multiplied. And we are fruitful.” “But we all want to thank you. We know that without you, there is no us.”

He answered The Associated Press when asked once what he desired to be remembered for. He laughed. He wept. He was forgave. He forgiven him. “I am extremely fortunate.”