TANZANIA: Former President Mkapa Laid to Rest, Pope Francis Sends Message of Condolence
Pascal Mwanache
Pope Francis has joined Tanzanians as they mourn the death of former President Benjamin William Mkapa. The Holy Father expressed his sorrow in a message of condolence to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania His Excellency John Magufuli, the family of late Mkapa and all citizens.
Reading the Pope’s message during the funeral service at late Mkapa’s home village Lupaso, Masasi District Southern Tanzania, the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga said that Pope Francis wishes Tanzanians and the family of late Mkapa comfort and courage during this difficult time.
Pope Francis applauded Mkapa for his contribution to education and development of people of Tanzania.
At the same occasion, the Archbishop of Songea Archdiocese Most Rev. Grace Damian Dallu urged Tanzanians to uphold national unity and solidarity as a way to honour the late Benjamin Mkapa.
“Mkapa was a Catholic leader who was able to describe his faith even when he joined various colleges including Makerere University among others abroad. He believed in equality of all human beings while serving them equally” he said.
The Holy Mass was led by TEC President Most Rev. Nyaisonga and was attended by Tanzania President John Magufuli and all his living predecessors Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Jakaya Kikwete, religious leaders, lay faithful from within and outside the country.
