Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has led Tanzanians in mourning the death of Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Dar es Salaam, describing his passing as a profound national loss.
Cardinal Pengo died on the night of February 19, 2026, at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam, where he had been receiving treatment. He was 82.
In an official statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, President Samia said she had received the news of the Cardinal’s death “with deep sorrow and great pain”.
“I have received with profound sadness the news of the death of Polycarp Kardinali Pengo, Dar es Salaam,” she said.
She described the late Cardinal as a distinguished spiritual leader whose life was devoted to faith, service and national unity.
She added: “His significant contribution to spiritual upbringing and moral formation will continue to be remembered, valued and honoured.”
President Samia said Cardinal Pengo’s leadership transcended religious boundaries and contributed significantly to peace, justice and harmony in Tanzania.
She extended her condolences to the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, Msgr Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, OFM Cap, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Catholic faithful, religious leaders of all denominations, and the entire Christian community.
She also conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family, relatives and friends.
Zanzibar President joins tributes
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi also joined the nation in mourning, describing Cardinal Pengo as a towering religious figure whose influence extended far beyond church walls.
In his condolence message, Dr Mwinyi said he had received the news of the Cardinal’s death “with great sorrow.”
“We have lost a distinguished religious leader who served the Catholic Church with integrity, humility and devotion,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi conveyed condolences to the Catholic Church leadership, TEC, clergy, and the faithful, as well as to the bereaved family.
“I pray that you are granted comfort and patience during this period of sorrow,” he said, adding: “May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed.”
Church confirms death
Earlier, Msgr Ruwa’ichi, OFM Cap, announced the death in a brief statement issued by the Archdiocese.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of Dar-es-Salaam,” he said.
He added: “He was called to eternal rest today, February 19, 2026, at 4:00 a.m., at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, where he was receiving treatment.”
He said burial arrangements would be announced once preparations had been completed.
“Funeral arrangements will be announced once the plans are finalised,” he said.
Life of service
Cardinal Polycarp Pengo was Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Dar es Salaam.
He was a former president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and a prominent member of several Vatican congregations and councils.
He was born on August 5, 1944, in Mwazye, Tanzania.
He began his religious formation at the minor seminary in Kaengesa from 1959 to 1964.
He later pursued philosophy and theology at the major seminary in Kipalapala from 1965 to 1971.
He was ordained a priest on June 20, 1971.
His early ministry included service as Secretary to the Bishop of Sumbawanga for two years.
He then travelled to Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in moral theology from the Pontifical Lateran University in 1977.
Upon returning home, he briefly taught at Kipalapala Theological Seminary. He later became the first Rector of Segerea Theological Seminary in Dar es Salaam, a post he held until 1983.
Rise through Church ranks
His episcopal ministry began on November 11, 1983, when Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Nachingwea.
He was ordained bishop on January 6, 1984, at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
In 1986, he became Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Tunduru-Masasi in southern Tanzania.
His ascent continued in 1990, when he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Dar es Salaam.
He assumed full leadership of the Archdiocese on July 22, 1992, following the resignation of Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa.
In February 1998, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of cardinal, assigning him the titular church of Nostra Signora de La Salette.
As a Cardinal, he participated in the conclaves that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013.
He later served as President of SECAM from 2007 to 2009, becoming one of Africa’s most influential Catholic leaders on the continental and global stage.
Public voice and moral authority
Throughout his ministry, Cardinal Pengo was known for his strong moral convictions and forthright public voice.
His remarks stirred widespread public debate, reflecting his role as a powerful moral authority in national discourse.
Retirement and final years
After serving as Archbishop of Dar es Salaam for 27 years, Pope Francis accepted Cardinal Pengo’s resignation on August 15, 2019, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.
He thereafter lived quietly, continuing to offer spiritual counsel and guidance until his health began to decline.
Nation united in grief
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from political leaders, religious institutions, civil society groups and ordinary citizens.
Many described him as a father figure, moral compass and symbol of unity.
Church bells tolled across Dar es Salaam and other parts of the country, as congregations gathered for prayers and requiem services.
For many Tanzanians, Cardinal Pengo’s legacy lies not only in his ecclesiastical achievements but also in his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, compassion and national harmony. His passing marks the end of
