Special Envoy of the African Union on Women, Peace and Security, Liberata Mulamula, has expressed condolences following the death of retired Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, Polycarp Pengo, who passed away in the early hours of today.
In a statement issued on February 20 from Ethiopia, where she is executing her new responsibilities under the African Union, Ambassador Mulamula said Cardinal Pengo would be remembered for his lifelong commitment to peace, moral leadership and social justice.
She described the late cleric as a unifying figure whose influence extended beyond the Catholic Church to the wider Tanzanian society.
According to Mulamula, Cardinal Pengo consistently promoted harmony among people of different faiths and encouraged ethical leadership in public life.
“Cardinal Pengo’s contribution was anchored in promoting peace, providing moral guidance to leaders and speaking firmly on social justice issues. He did not shy away from condemning corruption and actions that fuel religious intolerance,” she said.
Mulamula noted that the Cardinal strongly advocated cooperation between religious leaders and the government as a key pillar in preventing religious conflict, particularly during periods of heightened tension. She cited his role in fostering dialogue following incidents of violence against religious leaders in Zanzibar.
She further recalled that in 1998, Cardinal Pengo volunteered to mediate in the political dispute in Zanzibar between the government and the opposition Civic United Front, an effort that highlighted his belief in dialogue as a means of resolving conflict.
In recognition of his contribution to peace and national unity, Mulamula said Cardinal Pengo was awarded a state honour in 2021 by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
She added that Cardinal Pengo would continue to be remembered as a significant voice within the Catholic Church in Tanzania and across Africa, whose apostolic life left a lasting imprint on issues of peacebuilding and social cohesion.
According to the Church’s programme, the body of Cardinal Pengo will be viewed on February 27, ahead of burial scheduled for February 28 in Pugu, Dar es Salaam.
Cardinal Pengo served the Catholic Church for decades and remained an influential public figure even after his retirement, frequently contributing to national conversations on peace, ethics and unity.