The tone of prayers for South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, who is hospitalized has changed over the last few days from entreaties of comfort and healing to pleas for a “peaceful end.”
A top cleric in South Africa, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, prayed the “peaceful end” mantra at Mr. Mandela’s bedside in a Pretoria hospital, in the presence of the former leader’s wife, Graca Machel, BBC reported.
Mr. Mandela, 94, has been listed in critical condition since Sunday. Elders from his clan, Tembu, are scheduled to make a visit on Wednesday.
Mr. Mandela was admitted to the hospital on June 8 for treatment of a recurring lung infection.
He is South Africa’s first black president.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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