Retiring Bishop Tutu praises South Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 22 (UPI) -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu has praised South Africans for their contribution to the world during the World Cup soccer tournament, officials said.

"We surprised ourselves in how we accomplished the World Cup with panache," said Tutu, during a press briefing Thursday in Cape Town where he announced his intention to retire from public engagements when he turns 79 in October, South African government news service BuaNews reported.

"We really are amazing. Apart from welcoming the world as we did and being able to be so efficient, despite what many could say, because of our history which has made us reach out to others, that has left them breathless and I think the world needs that," Tutu said.

"I long so much that we will become the country we have it in ourselves to become … one in which every South African feels they matter," he said.

"I would go to my grave lightly if we become a country that is caring, compassionate, gentle, sharing," he added.

Tutu, who retired in 1996 as Archbishop of Cape Town, said the time had come to devote his time to quiet reflection, his family and reading. BuaNews said.