Latin America mourns former Uruguayan president José “Pepe” Mujica

Montevideo, Uruguay.- Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89 after a battle with cancer, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Latin America and beyond. Remembered as a “great friend,” “beloved old man,” and “an example,” Mujica was widely admired for his humility, progressive ideals, and commitment to social justice.

Following the announcement of his death by Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi on social media, messages of sorrow and respect poured in. Orsi thanked Mujica for his deep love for the people, while former President Luis Lacalle Pou expressed his condolences to Mujica’s party, supporters, and wife, Lucía Topolansky, highlighting shared values despite political differences.

The Brazilian government honored Mujica as a key advocate for Latin American unity and “one of the most important humanists of our time.” Leaders like Colombia’s Gustavo Petro and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum echoed this sentiment, describing him as a revolutionary icon and a moral compass for the region and the world.