Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Catholic Church in Tanzania is mourning the loss of Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, a highly respected former Apostolic Nuncio and long-serving diplomat of the Holy See, who passed away last Tuesday, while receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Bishop Jovitus Francis Mwijage of the Diocese of Bukoba expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Archbishop Rugambwa.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of our beloved Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, who was called to be with the Lord in the evening of September 16, 2025, in Rome,” Bishop Mwijage said in a statement released on Wednesday.
He added: “May his soul rest in eternal peace. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Let us continue to pray for the repose of his soul: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Retired Auxiliary Bishop Methodius Kilaini described the archbishop’s death as a profound loss not only for the Catholic Church in Tanzania but for the universal Church.
“I have personally known Archbishop Rugambwa for many years. I taught him when he was in Form Two at Rubya Seminary and later at Ntungamo Major Seminary. He was among the best students in class and had a very promising future. We shall miss him dearly. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Bishop Kilaini.
He explained that Archbishop Rugambwa, who resigned from his diplomatic duties in July 2024, had suffered a severe stroke in October 2023. He moved to Rome in March 2024 to continue treatment and rehabilitation but sadly passed away at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service and diplomacy.
Archbishop Rugambwa was born on October 8, 1957, at Maruku Ward, Bukoba District Council and was ordained a priest on July 6, 1986, by the late Bishop Nestorius Timanywa, following his theological training and priestly formation.
He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on July 1, 1991, serving in several papal missions across the world.
On June 28, 2007, he was appointed Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People by Pope Benedict XVI.
He was later appointed Titular Archbishop and Apostolic Nuncio to Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe on February 6, 2010. His episcopal consecration was held on March 18, 2010, and was presided over by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, then Vatican Secretary of State.
His diplomatic journey continued with further postings, whereby on March 5, 2015, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Honduras, on March 29, 2019, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand and Papal Representative to the Pacific Islands by Pope Francis.
On March 30, 2021, he was assigned additional responsibility as Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Micronesia, continuing his mission in the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Fiji, Palau, and New Zealand.
In New Zealand, where Archbishop Rugambwa served between March 2019 and July 2024, the Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC) expressed their condolences and sorrow at his passing.
In a statement posted on Facebook on September 17th this year, NZCBC President Bishop Stephen Marmion Lowe of the Diocese of Auckland described Archbishop Rugambwa as “A man of deep faith and prayer who served the Church in New Zealand and the Pacific with warmth and generosity.”
As the Catholic community in Tanzania and around the world mourns the passing of this devoted servant of the Church, many continue to remember Archbishop Rugambwa for his humility, dedication, and unwavering commitment to promoting the values of the Catholic faith across continents. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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