Cardinal pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

July 19, 2011

Cardinal Wilfred Napier of Durban has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of the 93rd birthday of the former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

“South Africa and the whole world acknowledges the great personal sacrifice that a man made not only for his own countrymen but for all those who suffered oppression of any kind,” Cardinal Napier. “He was engaged in working for the rights of others, and so he is asking us to do the same, to think of others before we think of ourselves. I think at this time in our history that is something that is exceptionally necessary, because we have got a terrible selfish streak, in some people thinking only of themselves, their own narrow circle or their own party.”

 

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Further information:

• Card. Napier on Mandela's message (Vatican Radio)
• Nelson Mandela (Wikipedia)