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He 'transformed South Africa and moved all of us': Tributes pour in for Mandela

World leaders, politicians, celebrities and public figures all across the globe mourned the passing of Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid activist and South Africa's first black president, who died Thursday at home at the age of 95. Statements on his passing poured in from around the world, with President Barack Obama at the White House saying he was one of the countless millions of people who drew i
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World leaders, politicians, celebrities and public figures all across the globe mourned the passing of Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid activist and South Africa's first black president, who died Thursday at home at the age of 95

Statements on his passing poured in from around the world, with President Barack Obama at the White House saying he was one of the countless millions of people who drew inspiration from Mandela's life and his "fierce dignity."

"He achieved more than could be expected of any man," Obama said, visibly emotional, adding: "Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us.”

South African President Jacob Zuma first announced Mandela's death, saying, "He is now resting. He is now at peace."

Zuma added, "Our nation has lost his greatest son. Our people have lost their father."

In the United States, former President George H. W. Bush said in a statement that the revered South African icon "was a man of tremendous moral courage, who changed the course of history in his country."

His son, former President George W. Bush said Mandela was "one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time," who "bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example."    

Former President Jimmy Carter echoed those feelings in a statement: "His passion for freedom and justice created new hope for generations of oppressed people worldwide."

"I will never forget my friend Madiba," former President Bill Clinton tweeted, while Secretary of State John Kerry said Mandela "will be remembered as a pioneer for peace." 

"Mandela's strength as a teacher is that he not only advised us what to do, he showed us how," former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said. 

British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted, "A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time."

Upon leaving the premiere for the movie "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom" that he attended with his wife in London, Prince William said the news of Mandela's death was "extremely sad and tragic." 

"We're just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was," he said. 

Actor Idris Elba, who portrayed Mandela in that movie, said he was stunned by the news.

"We have lost one of the greatest human beings to have walked this earth, I only feel honored to be associated with him," Elba said. 

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was saddened by the passing of the former president, whom he described as "a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement, a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration."

"His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens," boxing legend Muhammad Ali said in a statement. 

"Nelson Mandela showed us how to love rather than hate, not because he had never surrendered to rage or violence, but because he learnt that love would do a better job," Irish musician Bono said. 

"As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we've come, but on how far we have to go," actor Morgan Freeman, who portrayed Mandela in the movie "Invictus," said. 

"He conceived a model for mortal enemies to overcome their hatred and find a way through compassion to rebuild a nation based on truth, justice and the power of forgiveness," musician Paul Simon said.  

An emotional scene emerged outside of Mandela's house, where a multi-racial crowd gathered late into the night, singing liberation songs, chanting and waving flags.

Johannesburg resident Hamsa Moosa, 31, told The Associated Press he "wouldn't be free" if not for the man affectionately known by his clan name "Madiba." 

"I feel relieved on his soul that finally he is able to rest, finally he is able to be in a peaceful situation," Ouma Mpela of Cape Town, said. 

Thirty-two-year-old Johannesburg resident Salmon Matlou said, "I don’t know what's going to happen but I'm scared because we like him so much and now he’s gone."

"It feels like it's my father who has died. He was such a good man, who had good values the nation could look up to. He was a role model unlike our leaders of today," said Annah Khokhozela, 37, a nanny, speaking in Johannesburg.

The African National Congress, the country's governing political party, said in a statement: "Our nation has lost a colossus, an epitome of humility, equality, justice, peace and the hope of millions; here and abroad."

Mandela spent 27 years in prison and led his country to democracy. Though he was in power for only five years as his country's first black president, Mandela's moral influence earned him the praise and respect of people all over the world.

"His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings and countries can change for the better,” Obama said.

NBC News' Tracy Jarrett and The Associated Press contributed to this report.