The health of Nelson Mandela has been getting worse each day as the former African president is in critical condition in the hospital.
President Obama hasn’t been ignoring the tragic news, as he is reported to have met with the Mandela family today.
According to Reuters, POTUS and the First Lafy didn’t have plans to go to the hospital to meet with Nelson Mandela, but he will “offer their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time” to his relatives
The White House said in a statement:
“Out of deference to Nelson Mandela’s peace and comfort and the family’s wishes, they will not be visiting the hospital.”
Being that Obama has called Nelson Mandela one of his “personal heros” in the past, it’s no wonder that he addressed leaders to follow in his footsteps.
Obama praised the former African leader and encouraged others to follow his example.
He told the press:
“We as leaders occupy these spaces temporarily and we don’t get so deluded that we think the fate of our country doesn’t depend on how long we stay in office.”
“The timing was not right for me as the president of the United States to be visiting Kenya when those issues are still being worked on, and hopefully at some point resolved.”
“I also reaffirmed the profound impact that his legacy has had in building a free South Africa, and in inspiring people around the world — including me,” Obama said in a statement after the visit. “That’s a legacy that we must all honor in our own lives.”
Our prayers are with the Mandela family at this time.
