Tributes for Archbishop Desmond Tutu have been pouring in after he passed away at the age of 90.

Most Rev Justin Welby has described South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate as “a prophet and priest, a man of words and action” and one “who embodied the hope and joy that were the foundations of his life”.

In a statement, he said: “He was a man of extraordinary personal courage and bravery… His vision and bravery were allied with a canny political sense and wisdom, enabling him to be a healer and apostle of peace while so many still saw wounds and war.”

“It was Jesus’ love we saw in his eyes, Jesus’ compassion we heard in his voice, Jesus’ joy we heard in his laughter, Jesus’ face we saw in his face. And it was beautiful and brave. His greatest love is now realised as he meets his Lord face to face,” Archbishop Justin continued.

The Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said “the world itself feels a little smaller without him” as he joined in paying tribute to Archbishop Desmond.

He continued: “His expansive vision of how the Christian faith shapes the whole of life has touched many hearts and changed many lives. The Anglican church in particular gives thanks for one of its greatest saints. But Christian people everywhere, and all people of goodwill, will today be mourning the loss of someone who showed the world what following Jesus looks like and where it leads.

“Our prayers today are particularly with his family and with our sisters and brothers in the Anglican Church of South Africa. When I go to my chapel this morning to celebrate the Eucharist on this, Saint Stephen’s day, I may dance a little jig in thankful memory of this wonderful human being. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Rev Dr Thabo Makgoba said the Anglican Church of Southern Africa will plan Archbishop Desmond’s funeral along with other memorial services. Details will be released in due course.