Ruwai’ichi to succeed Cardinal Pengo

Dar es Salaam. The Archbishop of Mwanza, Rev Juda Thadeus Ruwai’ichi, has been appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Dar es Salaam by the Vatican.

A press statement released yesterday and signed by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) secretary, Fr Raymond Saba, says Archbishop Ruwai’ichi’s appointment was announced by the Pope’s representative in the country.

Until his appointment, the appointee was the Archbishop of Mwanza Archdiocese. He has served in the position since 2010.

He became the Bishop of Mbulu Diocese in 1999 and served until 2005 before taking up similar roles at the then Dodoma Diocese.

He will replace Polycarp Cardial Pengo, who is set to step down in August, next year, since he was appointed cardinal in 1998.

“As per the church’s procedures, the senior archbishop is a natural successor of the Cardinal. So, Archbishop Ruai’ichi will automatically succeed Cardinal Pengo when he retires,” said one of the insiders, who preferred anonymity. The procedure also requires a Bishop to retire when he turns 75. Cardinal Pengo will turn 75 next year.

Reached for his comment, Archbishop Ruwai’ichi did not want to speak on the appointment, asking for more time.

When The Citizen contacted the president of TEC, Bishop Tarcicus Ngalalekuntwa, his mobile phone was received by his assistant, who said the bishops were locked in a meeting.