Nelson Mandela, the revered South African anti-apartheid icon who spent 27 years in prison, led his country to democracy and became its first black president, died Thursday at home. He was 95.

“He is now resting,” said South African President Jacob Zuma. “He is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost their father.”

A state funeral will be held, and Zuma called for mourners to conduct themselves with “the dignity and respect” that Mandela personified.

Alhough he was in power for only five years, Mandela was a figure of enormous moral influence the world over – a symbol of revolution, resistance and triumph over racial segregation.

He inspired a generation of activists, left celebrities and world leaders star-struck, won the Nobel Peace Prize and raised millions for humanitarian cause

Mandela was advocated for gay South Africans, and helped make the country the fifth in the world to legalize gay marriage. “I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom,” the beloved Nobel Peace Prize winner said of gay rights, “Just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.”

Nelson Mandela passed away at his home.  He was 95

A great man.