World leaders bid farewell to Mandela

Obama delivering his speech that earned him a standing ovation

Leaders from all over the world came to a rainy stadium Tuesday to bid farewell to Nelson Mandela—a man who emerged from 27 years in prison under a racist regime, embraced his enemies, and ushered in a new era of forgiveness and reconciliation in South Africa. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Obama greets Nelson Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel. EPA

Obama shakes hands with Cuban President Raul Castro during the memorial service for Nelson Mandela

President Obama shakes hands with Cuban President Raul Castro during memorial service for Nelson Mandela. Getty Images

Obama (R) and British Prime Minister David Cameron pose for a picture with Denmark's Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt

Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron pose for a selfie with Denmark’s Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt. Getty Images

Barack Obama shares a moment with Denmark’s Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt as First Lady Michelle Obama looks on. Reuters

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and Clinton’s daughter Chelsea Clinton at the ceremony. AP Photo/Matt Dunham

ainy stadium and millions watching around the world on Tuesday to carry forward Nelson Mandela’s mission of erasing injustice and inequality. In a speech that received thunderous applause at FNB stadium and a standing ovation, Obama called on people to apply the lessons of Mandela, who emerged from 27 years in prison under a racist regime, embraced his enemies when he finally walked to freedom and ushered in a new era of forgiveness and reconciliation in South Africa.

epa03984666 Former US presidents Bill Clinton (L), George W. Bush (C) and Clinton’s daughter Chelsea Clinton (R) attend the official memorial ceremony for late South African president Nelson Mandela at… EPA

US President Bill Clinton (frontR), his wife former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (C) and their daughter Chelsea

Former US President Bill Clinton, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea with former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. Getty Images

Former US President George W. Bush (2nd row 2R) and world leaders

Former US President George W. Bush waves to the crowd. Getty Images

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and their daughter Chelsea arrive for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at… AP Photo/Peter Dejong