The United Republic of Tanzania has once again reaffirmed its long-standing friendship with the Holy See, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), was received in audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
This engagement underscores Tanzania’s ongoing diplomatic approach rooted in social cohesion, citizen welfare, and respect for human dignity.
Minister Kombo conveyed warm greetings and a special message from Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
During the discussions, he emphasized the Government’s appreciation for the Pope’s consistent focus on peace, dialogue, and respect for human dignity values that Tanzania considers fundamental for internal cohesion and international stability.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tanzania has long benefited from its relationship with the Holy See, characterized by mutual respect, service to communities, and a shared belief in human dignity.
This partnership contributes to the country’s development efforts, particularly in education, health, and support for marginalized groups.
The Government also expressed its gratitude to Catholic institutions supporting social development, as well as for opportunities provided to Tanzanian students in Pontifical institutions, which help build skills, character, and enduring people-to-people connections.
Minister Kombo reaffirmed the important role of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference in the nation’s civic and social life and emphasized Tanzania’s commitment to open, respectful, and constructive engagement with the Church at all levels, guided by dialogue, restraint, and the pursuit of the common good.
The Minister highlighted the Church’s contribution to maintaining national cohesion, noting the Government’s commitment to restoring peace and normalcy following incidents of unrest in certain areas after the 29 October 2025 General Election.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed national efforts toward rebuilding trust and unity, including the establishment of an independent review process led by a respected retired judge to ascertain facts, draw lessons, and prevent recurrence.
The Government further reiterated the President’s commitment to inclusive dialogue with political parties, elders, youth, faith leaders, and civil society, guided by her “4R” philosophy: Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Rebuilding.
In this context, Minister Kombo requested His Holiness to continue praying for the success of Tanzania’s national reconciliation and unity efforts, as well as for the well-being of its citizens.
Pope Leo XIV welcomed this request, expressing readiness to pray for peace, unity, and reconciliation in Tanzania.
He fondly recalled his early years in the country, sharing memories of meaningful pastoral engagement in mission communities in Songea, Morogoro, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam, noting that these experiences left a lasting mark on his pastoral journey and continue to shape his personal bond with Tanzania and its people.
In addition to the Papal audience, Minister Kombo and his delegation held official talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and deepening structured cooperation between Tanzania and the Holy See.
Minister Kombo welcomed the Holy See’s proposal for Tanzania to establish a resident diplomatic representation in the Vatican, a step expected to consolidate bilateral engagement and ensure regular dialogue on shared priorities.
This engagement reflects Tanzania’s diplomatic direction for 2026, as articulated by President Samia to the diplomatic community in mid-January: “non-aligned but multi-engaged,” pursuing a posture of sovereign pragmatism that engages all partners in good faith while promoting national unity and shared prosperity.
Overall, the meeting reflects Tanzania’s distinctive diplomatic approach: engaging with all sectors of society, including religious institutions, to build national cohesion while maintaining political independence and strategic international influence.