Speaking at a joint press conference with South Africa President, Jacob Zuma, Obama said "The outpouring of love that we've seen in recent days shows that the triumph of Nelson Mandela and this nation speaks to something very deep in the human spirit, the yearning for justice and dignity that transcends boundaries of race and class and faith and country".
The White House said earlier on Saturday that Obama would not visit Mandela in hospital in Pretoria.
Mandela, 94, remains in a stable but critical condition in hospital.
-Obama expressed concern over violent protests-
Obama expressed his concern over violent demonstrations and political unrest in Egypt.
The US president stated his concern over protests between President Mohammed Morsi's supporters and the opposition.
Obama said the US priority was to protect its diplomatic missions in Cairo, Egypt.
