Cardinal Polycarp Pengo to Travel Abroad for Medical Treatment

Dar es Salaam – Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, Cardinal-designate Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi, has revealed that Cardinal Polycarp Pengo is experiencing health challenges and will soon travel abroad for specialized medical treatment.

In a pastoral circular dated December 24, 2025, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi disclosed that the retired Archbishop of Dar es Salaam has already received medical care locally, but doctors have recommended further treatment abroad.

"Efforts have been made to provide him with medical care locally. However, it has been deemed necessary for him to travel abroad for more specialised treatment," Archbishop Ruwa’ichi stated in his message addressed to priests, religious, and the lay faithful of the Archdiocese.

The Archbishop confirmed that arrangements have been finalized for Cardinal Pengo to receive treatment in India, with departure expected in the coming days.

"Consequently, arrangements have been made for him to receive medical care in India. We expect that he will leave in the coming days for this purpose," he added.

Archbishop Ruwa’ichi has urged Catholics and people of goodwill to support the cardinal through prayers and good wishes during his medical treatment abroad.

"I invite you all to join together in accompanying him with prayers and good wishes," he said.

Cardinal Pengo, who served as Archbishop of Dar es Salaam from February 12, 1992, until his retirement on August 15, 2019, remains one of Tanzania’s most senior Catholic clerics. He has played a prominent role in church leadership at both national and continental levels throughout his distinguished career.

In his message, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi also extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the faithful, wishing them "a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026."

The circular was signed by Archbishop Ruwa’ichi and countersigned by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Vincent Mpwaji.