Dar es Salaam’s Catholic community mourns Polycarp Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of Dar es Salaam, who died at the age of 81 at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, where he was being treated.
The Tanzania Episcopal Conference announced that Pengo had died on 19 February after a period of ill health. Reading a statement to parishes throughout the country, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi described Pengo as “a shepherd who served the Church with courage and devotion” and appealed to the faithful to pray for him.
Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country’s president, also delivered a condolence message to the Catholic Church and to the Tanzanian people for his immense work in national debate and in society.
Cardinal Pengo was among the most influential Catholic Church leaders in East Africa. It is noteworthy that he very often, throughout his tenure, spoke about national affairs, especially emphasizing to politicians to continue with integrity and accountability. Addressing the Catholic faithful throughout the country via parish churches, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi called Pengo “a shepherd who served the Church with courage and devotion” and asked them to pray for his soul.
Born in Mwazye, Sumbawanga Diocese, in 1944, Pengo was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. Later, he became the Bishop of Nachingwea before becoming the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam in 1992, where he served for almost three decades until his retirement in 2019.
In 1998, he was appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Pengo had become one of the most respected Catholic leaders in East Africa, often addressing national issues throughout his service, particularly urging political leaders to uphold integrity and responsibility.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan sent a message of sympathy to the Catholic Church in Tanzania and to the citizens of the country, commending the deceased for his contributions to the national discourse and to society.
The arrangements for his burial ceremony are expected to be communicated by the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam in the coming days as many faithful make plans to pay their last respects.