TANZANIA: Pope Francis Appreciates Cardinal Pengo for the Work of Evangelization on African Continent
Pascal Mwanache
The Holy Father Pope Francis has expressed his gratitude to the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo on his services for 25 years as cardinal, saying that through his services the African continent has contributed to the well-being of the universal Church.
Conveying the message from the Holy Father to Cardinal Pengo during the celebrations of the Holy Mass to mark the Silver Jubilee of Cardinal Pengo held at Saint Joseph Cathedral Dar es salaam, the Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania Archbishop Angelo Accattino said that Pope Francis appreciates the remarkable efforts of Cardinal Pengo in evangelization.
“To Your Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, as you celebrate 25 years as a cardinal, I send you sincere greetings to you and all who gathered for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist for this event special”
“Through you, the beloved continent of Africa has been able to make its unique contribution for the well-being of the entire Church. Similarly, during the four decades of your episcopal service, starting from the Diocese of Nachingwea, Tunduru-Masasi and recently in the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, I confidently admit that your efforts to evangelize and encourage vocations will continue to bear fruit fruits for the people of God for years to come” read out Arhbishop Angelo.
Giving greetings from the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), the President of TEC who is also the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga has congratulated Cardinal Pengo saying that he has shown himself to be a defender of national unity and reprimanded where that unity was attacked in any given circumstance.
“You have also been seen as a relationship builder, you were always at the forefront of promoting good relations between Catholics and between Catholics and non-Catholics. Moreover, you have proven to be a defender of national unity and wherever you felt that national unity was shaking, you did not stop coming forward and reprimanding and the Nation heard you” said Archbishop Nyaisonga
Giving a word of thanks, Cardinal Pengo has said that he is grateful to God and all who accompany him in his service, noting that due to the challenge of age and illness, he did not count on whether he would be able to stand before them on that special day.
“You people of Dar es Salaam are witnesses that I did not expect to be able to stand here in front of you today. But by the miracle of God and by his favor I am here today. There are very few cardinals in the world who celebrate 25 years” he noted.
