By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania is in national mourning following the death of Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, the retired Archbishop of Dar es Salaam and one of the country’s most influential Catholic leaders, who died at the age of 80.
The Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam announced that Cardinal Pengo passed away at 4:00 a.m. on February 19 at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam.
In an official death notice signed by Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi, the Archdiocese said: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce that today, 19/02/2026 at 4:00 a.m., our beloved father, His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, has returned to the Father’s eternal home.”
The Archdiocese said funeral arrangements would be communicated once preparations are completed and called on the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul. The statement was countersigned by Chancellor Fr Vincent Mwajiji.
President Samia leads national tributes
President Samia Suluhu Hassan led the nation in paying tribute, describing Cardinal Pengo as a towering spiritual leader whose counsel and moral clarity helped shape Tanzania’s social and civic life.
In her condolence message, President Samia extended heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic Church, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), and the bereaved family, saying the nation had lost a man of deep faith, wisdom and patriotism.
She praised the late Cardinal for his dedication to promoting peace, unity and ethical leadership, noting that his voice often provided guidance during moments of national reflection and dialogue.
“His contribution to strengthening harmony among faiths and fostering national cohesion will remain part of our country’s enduring legacy,” she said, praying that God grant him eternal rest and comfort all those mourning his passing.
Zanzibar President also mourns
In Zanzibar, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi described Pengo’s death as a profound loss to the nation and the Catholic Church.
In a statement issued by the Zanzibar State House, Mwinyi extended condolences to Archbishop Ruwa’ichi, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, religious leaders and Catholic faithful across Tanzania.
“He will be remembered for his wisdom, humility and patriotism, as well as his efforts to promote morality, peace and national unity,” the statement said.
Mwinyi said he had received news of the Cardinal’s death with great sadness and prayed for strength and patience for all those grieving. “May the Lord give, and may the Lord take away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” the message concluded.
End of an era
Cardinal Pengo led the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam for more than two decades and was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 1998, becoming one of Africa’s senior Catholic figures. Over the course of his ministry, he played a prominent role in interfaith dialogue and national debates on morality, governance and social cohesion.
Even after his retirement, he remained a revered spiritual figure and a respected moral voice in public life.
As preparations begin for his burial, churches across the country are expected to hold special prayers in his memory, while leaders from various faiths and sectors continue to pay tribute to a man widely regarded as a pillar of faith and national unity. In mourning Cardinal Pengo, Tanzania reflects not only on the life of a church leader, but on the legacy of a statesman of faith whose influence shaped religious and civic life for more than a generation.
