TANZANIA: Vice President Mpango: Cardinal Rugambwa is a blessing to Tanzania

Sarah Pelaji

The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr Philip Mpango reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborate with the Roman Catholic Church and other religions in bringing development while upholding peace and security for the benefit of the citizen.

Dr Mpango gave his remarks during the welcoming ceremony of His Eminence Protase Cardinal Rugambwa at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam when he arrived from the Vatican.

According to the VP, the title “Cardinal” is a true reflection and blessing from God to the people of Tanzania, indicating that the Protase Cardinal Rugambwa is the third Cardinal in the Church of Tanzania.

“Even when you were in the Vatican for the consistory ceremony, you spoke of peace and unity; values that should be cherished by Tanzanians. This symbolizes your true commitment to our beloved country,” Dr Mpango said.

He added: “On behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, I would like to welcome you back home and wish you fruitful service as you get prepared to start your new roles.

The Archbishop Emeritus of Dar es Salaam, His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo expressed his gratitude to God for enabling him witness another cardinal from Tanzania. when he is still alive. “Thanks to Pope Francis for creating another Cardinal in our Country,” he said.

“I’m profoundly honored to express my joy before you to have a person whom I can call my young brother, serving as the new Cardinal for the Catholic Church, said Cardinal Pengo adding that, “I’m speechless because I’m so happy. If there is something to talk about, we will find time to talk.”

For his part, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) President, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga prayed for blessings of Cardinal Rugambwa while assuring him of cooperation from TEC.

“TEC will continue to respect and cooperate with the episcopal in furthering rights and responsibilities of continuing to demonstrate the emancipation of mankind.

“His Eminence Pengo will continue to guide you and don’t think that this is a burden to carry alone, but we will all carry it and walk together,” said Archbishop Nyaisonga.

The new Cardinal asked the faithful to include him in their prayers so that he can fulfill his new commitment.

Speaking at the same event, the United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Michael Battle said one of the biggest blessings in Tanzania is that all the religions work together and are responsible for their people.

“Tanzania is very blessed because religious leaders cooperate and have been a voice for their people,” said Dr Battle.

The Chairman of Tanzania Women’s Catholic Association and the President of the African Women Association, Evelyn Mtenga said that it was a blessing from God to have a new church leader.

She said it was the duty of the entire church to pray for him to fulfill his duties.

“As mothers, we are happy to have a new son of Africa take charge in the Tanzanian church,” she said.

Eminence Rugambwa becomes the third Cardinal in line for Tanzania, preceded by Cardinal Laurian Rugambwa and his eminence Polycarp Pengo. His Eminence Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa was created Cardinal on 28 March 1960 by Pope John XXIII, making him the first Cardinal in Africa.

On July 9, 2023, the Roman Pontiff appointed 21 new cardinals, including the Coadjutor Archbishop of Tabora, and Archbishop Protase Rugambwa.

Commending Cardinal Rugambwa’s appointment, President Samia last took to social media to congratulate the Prelate and wished him all the best and success in his ministry.

“My heartfelt congratulations to his Eminence Protase Cardinal Rugambwa for being officially ordained by the Holy Father Francis as a Cardinal. The motto of your mission is ‘Go into the world’, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Mark 16:15, on the mission that cares for all people, all places and all times,” the Head of State shared via her X (formerly Twitter) account.

Cardinal Rugambwa is a Tanzanian prelate of the Catholic Church who has been archbishop coadjutor of the Archdiocese of Tabora since April 2023.

He was secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People from November 2017 to April 2023.

He previously served as the congregation’s adjunct secretary and president of the Pontifical Mission Societies from 2012 to 2017.