"A giant of history" - European leaders reflect on Mandela Global leaders have been paying tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela, following his death on December 5. Speaking at a France-Africa summit in Paris, French President François Hollande described the scale of Mandela's achievements and legacy: He had already entered into history during his life, and, in death, he takes his place in the universal consciousness. Nelson Mandela not only changed South Africa - he also sped up the pace of change in the world," Hollande said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel described Mandela's iconic status during a news conference in Berlin: Nelson Mandela was convinced that hatred and revenge could not make the world a better place, rather only reconciliation and peaceful change. That is what he lived by and that is why he is a giant of history," Merkel said. Amid the sadness of many of the global tributes to Mandela, Dalai Lama offered some words of inspiration: Sad, just feel[ing] sad and pray, [doesn't have] much meaning. Now we must develop determination or enthusiasm to carry his spirit," the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader told reporters in New Delhi, India.