Nelson Mandela: World Leaders And Public Figures Mourn Loss Of Legend

Following the announcement that Nelson Mandela's died on Thursday, numerous political leaders and public figures around the globe expressed their grief and condolences in response to Former South African president's passing.

Speaking on the Mandela's life during a speech at the White House, U.S. President Barack Obama said "Mandela has achieved more than could be expected of any man, he lives for the ages." And statements celebrating the phenomenal life of Mandela continued to pour in through social media posts and interviews of figures touched by the iconic leader.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tweeted:

British Prime Minister David Cameron Tweeted his grief:

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also shared on Twitter:

Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo described Mandela as "a man who brought hope, a true hero who will keep inspiring us."

Former U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan: 'I've lost a dear friend. Nelson Mandela stands as a dear friend to us all'

Rev. Jesse Jackson told BBC Africa that Nelson Mandela "laid the groundwork for a new South Africa. It hurts to think he's gone."

Ugandan Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi expressed that Mandela 'was one of the greatest leaders in the world' - @AmamaMbabazi

Former South African President F. W. de Klerk, who shared 1993 Nobel Prize with Mandela, hails leader as 'great unifier' - @Telegraph

"As a lawyer and an activist, he inspired millions - not only in South Africa, but around the globe - to stand united against oppression and apartheid," said US Attorney General Eric Holder in a statement on Mandela's death.

Prince William remembered Nelson Mandela as "an extraordinary and inspiring man."

Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan said in a statement that "Mandela's 'death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent"

Actor Morgan Freeman -- who played Nelson Mandela in the film 'Invictus'-- released the following statement: "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"

US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said in a statement: "Today, an eloquent voice has been silenced, a beautiful mind stilled, and a bountiful heart stopped. The epic soul of Nelson Mandela is now at rest"