South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu says he is praying for a prompt recovery for former leader Nelson Mandela, who has been in hospital for more than two weeks.
Radio 702, a South African station, today broadcast an interview with Archbishop Tutu in which he says he exchanged telephone text messages about Mr Mandela with the anti-apartheid icon’s wife, Graca Machel.
Mr Mandela who is 94, has been in hospital since December 8. He was diagnosed with a lung infection and also had gallstone surgery. Officials say his condition has improved.
Archbishop Tutu and Mr Mandela are Nobel laureates because of their role in the struggle against white minority rule.
Mr Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and served one five-year term as president after he was elected in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.