SECAM President Condoles Tanzania Church on Death of Cardinal Polycarp Pengo

Accra, 21 February 2026 – The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church in Tanzania following the death of His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of Dar es Salaam and former President of SECAM.

In a condolence message addressed on February 20 to Most Rev. Wolfgang Pisa, Bishop of Lindi and President of the Tanzania Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Ambongo said he received the news of Cardinal Pengo’s passing “with great sadness.” “On behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, I extend our deepest condolences to you, the Church in Tanzania, and the entire Catholic community,” he wrote.

The Pastoral zeal of Cardinal Pengo praised

Cardinal Ambongo paid tribute to Cardinal Pengo (1944-2026) as a “remarkable shepherd” whose service to the Church and commitment to the mission of Christ left a lasting legacy across Africa. He noted that Cardinal Pengo’s leadership, both as Archbishop of Dar es Salaam and as President of SECAM, was characterized by deep faith, pastoral zeal, and tireless efforts to promote unity and solidarity among the Churches of Africa and Madagascar.

“We pray for the repose of his soul, trusting that he is now embraced in the eternal peace of our Lord,” Cardinal Ambongo said, adding prayers for comfort and strength for Cardinal Pengo’s family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.

He concluded by calling on the faithful to remain united in prayer, asking God to welcome the late Cardinal into eternal glory and to grant the Church the grace to follow his example of faithful service.

Funeral arrangements

On February 27, the body of the late Cardinal will arrive at St. Joseph’s Cathedral at 09:00 hours for last respects, followed by a Requiem Mass at 16:00 hours, and moments of reflection and prayer. On February 28, last respects will be received from 07:00 to 09:45 hours, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 hours at Pugu Pilgrimage Centre, where the Cardinal will be laid to rest.

SECAM Communication’s Office

Download the Condolence Message below:

SECAM Message of Condolence (Death of Cardinal PENGO)