Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday shared a message from Pope Francis, delivered just days before his passing, honouring Tanzania’s 61st Union Anniversary.
Via her X account, President Samia revealed that the late Pope had entrusted the message to the Vatican Ambassador to Tanzania, Archbishop Angello Accattino. “With humbleness and gratitude, I have received Pope Francis’ message to our country and all Tanzanians,” she wrote, adding, “Let us continue praying for Almighty God to grant him eternal rest.”
The message focused on the occasion of the Union Day in Tanzania in which Pope Francis commended President Samia and all Tanzanians.
“In Honour of Tanzania’s Union Day, I offer my Congratulations to your Excellency and fellow citizens. Entrusting the Nation to the providence of Almighty God, I pray that He will abundantly bestow His wisdom and gentleness upon all who dwell therein,” Pope Francis said in the statement few days before his death.
Tanzania celebrated its 61st Union Anniversary on April 26th. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21st, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, at the age of 88.
In a solemn and deeply emotional ceremony, Pope Francis was also laid to rest Saturday at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located outside the Vatican walls in the heart of Rome.
Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango represented Tanzania at the funeral, conveying President Samia’s respects.
Earlier, Dr Mpango said one of the final letters signed by Pope Francis to President Samia was the one that wished her well on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
The Vice-President joined other global leaders and mourners from across the globe who gathered to pay their final respects to the former head of the Catholic Church. Speaking after the conclusion of funeral mass, Dr Mpango said the best way to honour Pope Francis is by promoting peace and caring for the poor.
He said Pope Francis was a humble person who made significant efforts to promote peace in various regions of the world more notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.
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