Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed Uruguay's former president Jose "Pepe" Mujica as "a superior human being" Thursday as politicians joined citizens at a memorial for the famously humble ex-leader.

Mujica’s passing marks the end of an era in Uruguayan politics, but for many, his legacy of humility, compassion, and service to the marginalized will endure.

Thousands of Uruguayans lined the streets of Montevideo Wednesday to bid farewell to deceased former leader Jose "Pepe" Mujica, famed for his humility and once known as the "world's poorest president.