By Business Insider Reporter
Retired Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, is set to travel to India for specialised medical treatment following a deterioration in his health, the Catholic Church has confirmed.
In a circular issued on December 24, 2025, Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, His Grace Yuda Thadeus Ruwa’ichi, said doctors had advised that Cardinal Pengo seek further treatment abroad after local medical interventions failed to yield the desired results.
According to the statement, the Cardinal has been unwell for some time and had been receiving treatment in Tanzania. However, following medical consultations, it was concluded that advanced care was necessary, prompting arrangements for him to be flown to India.
“After exhaustive efforts to treat him locally without improvement, doctors have recommended that Cardinal Pengo receive specialised treatment in India,” Archbishop Ruwa’ichi said, urging the faithful to continue praying for the Cardinal’s recovery.
The Archdiocese assured Catholics and the public that all necessary arrangements for the trip were underway and called for calm, solidarity and spiritual support during this period.
Cardinal Pengo, 80, is one of Tanzania’s most prominent religious figures. He served as Archbishop of Dar es Salaam from 1992 until his retirement in 2018 and was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1998. Over the decades, he has played a significant role not only in church leadership but also in national dialogue, peacebuilding and moral guidance on social and political matters in Tanzania.
Even after retirement, Cardinal Pengo has remained an influential voice within the Catholic Church and public life, often consulted on matters of faith, governance and national unity.
The Archdiocese concluded the statement by wishing Cardinal Pengo a safe journey and speedy recovery, while extending Christmas and New Year blessings to the faithful.
India has in recent years become a preferred destination for specialised medical treatment for patients from Africa, owing to its advanced healthcare facilities and relatively affordable costs. Further updates on Cardinal Pengo’s condition are expected to be communicated by church authorities in due course.
