The late Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, a towering figure in Tanzania's Catholic Church, will be laid to rest at the historic Pugu Pilgrimage Centre following a state farewell in Dar es Salaam.

The passing of the retired Archbishop at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute has plunged the East African nation into profound mourning. A meticulous and solemn schedule of events has been arranged to honor a man whose influence extended far beyond the pulpit.

Cardinal Pengo was not merely a religious leader; he was a steadfast moral compass for Tanzania. In a region frequently fractured by political and ethnic tensions, his decades of service were characterized by an unwavering commitment to national unity, interfaith dialogue, and the ethical governance of the state.

A Meticulous Final Farewell

The Dar es Salaam Archdiocese has released a detailed itinerary for the Cardinal's final journey. In a testament to his monumental public stature, his body will lie in state at St. Joseph's Cathedral on Friday, February 27, 2026. This full-day event will allow thousands of faithful and ordinary citizens to pay their final respects.

On Saturday, February 28, the solemn proceedings will move to the Pugu Pilgrimage Centre—a site of profound historical and spiritual significance in Tanzanian Catholicism. Following a brief public viewing in the early morning, a grand farewell Mass will be conducted before his final interment, marking the end of an era for the East African Church.

A Legacy of Leadership and Unity

Born in 1944 in the remote Rukwa Region, Polycarp Pengo's ascent to the highest echelons of the Catholic hierarchy was a testament to his intellect and devotion. Elevated to the rank of Cardinal in 1998, he became only the second Tanzanian to hold the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of the legendary Laurian Rugambwa.

• Pengo was a fierce advocate for social justice, frequently speaking out against corruption and the marginalization of the poor.
• He played a crucial role in maintaining harmonious relations between Tanzania's Christian and Muslim populations.
• His leadership helped shape the moral framework of the nation during critical periods of political transition.

His influence was recognized at the highest levels of government, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently emphasizing the importance of religious leaders guiding the nation through spiritual virtue rather than imposing dogmatic dictates—a philosophy Pengo embodied throughout his tenure.

The End of an Era

The loss of His Eminence Cardinal Pengo reverberates across the global Catholic community, but its deepest impact is felt on the streets of Dar es Salaam and the rural parishes of Tanzania. He was a shepherd who walked alongside his flock through decades of national evolution.

As the nation prepares to bid him a final goodbye at Pugu, his life's work remains etched into the social fabric of the country. "The Catholic Church has suffered a great loss," read the official Archdiocese statement, a humble understatement for the departure of a true titan of East African faith and diplomacy.