Tanzanian Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa Dies at 67 in Rome
Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, a distinguished diplomatic leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on September 16, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in Rome. He was 67 years old.
Born in Kagera Region on October 8, 1957, Rugambwa was ordained as a deacon in 1986 and quickly rose through the ecclesiastical ranks. His remarkable diplomatic career spanned four continents, marking him as one of the most globally recognized African church diplomats.
Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 as Titular Archbishop of Tagaria, Rugambwa served as Apostolic Nuncio in multiple regions, including São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola, Honduras, and Oceania. His diplomatic missions covered extensive territories, including numerous Pacific island nations.
Throughout his 14-year diplomatic tenure, Rugambwa was renowned for his ability to navigate complex political landscapes while promoting dialogue and peace. He was celebrated for strengthening international relations and representing the Vatican with exceptional cultural sensitivity.
Despite his extensive international service, Rugambwa maintained strong connections to Tanzania, frequently returning home to support pastoral work and mentor young priests. Colleagues described him as a “humble servant of the Church” who brought honor to his home country through his global diplomatic service.
Archbishop Rugambwa’s legacy extends beyond his ecclesiastical achievements, embodying a remarkable journey from rural Kagera to the international diplomatic stage. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Tanzanian religious diplomacy.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by church authorities in the coming weeks. The Catholic community mourns the loss of a significant spiritual and diplomatic leader who dedicated his life to bridging cultural and religious understanding.
