Tanzania hails Pope Leo XIV

DAR ES SALAAM: AS President Samia Suluhu Hassan joined other world leaders in congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new Head of the Catholic Church worldwide, several clerics in Tanzania have expressed confidence in his leadership, citing his strong doctrinal understanding of the Catholic faith.

In her message shared via her official X handle yesterday, President Samia said: “Sincere congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, on being elected as the Leader of the Catholic Church worldwide.”

On behalf of the government and Tanzanians, President Samia wished him all the best in his service to the Church and the world at large, imploring God’s guidance to him.

“May Almighty God guide and lead you.” In an exclusive interview with the Daily News on Saturday, Bishop Stephano Musomba of the newly established Catholic Diocese of Bagamoyo shared his personal connection with the newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo will help to strengthen the long-standing brotherhood and unity between the two friendly nations.

He said that the decision XIV, fondly recalling his visit to Tanzania in August 2003. “Pope Leo XIV is in my Congregation -the Order of Saint Augustine.

He was my superior and received my vows, so I know him well. I have great hopes for his leadership and all that he will undertake,” said Bishop Musomba.

He explained that the Head of the Catholic Church visited Tanzania in his capacity as the Global Leader of the Order of Saint Augustine, engaging with Augustinian communities across the country.

During his visit, the Pontiff participated in various activities, including visiting Augustinian communities and making a stop at the Mahanje Formation House in the Archdiocese of Songea. In an exciting recount, Bishop Musomba said that after visiting the Augustinian communities, he traveled with then-Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV by car from Songea to Morogoro. “He arrived and visited several places.

Later, when he returned, I was still in Songea. We got into the same car, which he drove himself and went to Morogoro, where he received the perpetual vows of three of our sisters (nuns) on August 28, 2003,” said Bishop Musomba.

Bishop Musomba, the latest appointee of the late Pope Francis, added that he also had the opportunity to stay with Pope Leo XIV in Rome for four years, from 2004 to 2008, when he was studying at the Augustinian University in Rome.

He said while in Rome they resided together in the Augustinian House, which serves as the Headquarters of the Order.

Describing the Pontiff, Bishop Musomba said that Pope Leo XIV is an approachable leader, a listener and someone who does not intimidate others.

“He is a leader who listens and anyone can freely talk to him. I saw him as a father speaking with his child, listening to what the child has to say. We had the opportunity to speak with him personally whenever we had concerns,” he said.

Regarding the Order of Augustinian within the Catholic Church, Bishop Musomba explained that it was founded around 1256 by Saint Augustine and later, recognised by Pope Alexander IV, uniting several groups living an Augustinian life under one congregation.

He explained that the ancient order initially belonged to the Mendicant Order, where all members take three evangelic vows, of poverty, obedience and chastity.

The order to which Pope Leo XIV belongs, has expanded worldwide and he has previously served as its global leader.

Meanwhile the Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya, Gervas Nyaisonga said that they are delighted that they have a new Holy Father, who is now the World Head of the Catholic Church.

“We thank God for helping us to receive a new Pope promptly, in accordance with all the ecclesiastical procedures and for providing us with a successor to the apostolic seat,” he said.

He noted that they are happy that the Pope has been chosen considering the Church’s mission to redeem mankind, anyone entrusted with the responsibility of that Seat (Holly See) is believed to have the right faith, correct teachings and the gifts necessary to uphold those teachings of the Church.

“Looking at his background, it is clear that he is someone who has been wellprepared in his upbringing, formation and profession, as well as throughout his service. Even before being elected, he had been leading various departments of the Church and most recently, he served in the Administration and Governance of the Church at its Headquarters,” said Bishop Nyaisonga.

He added that the few who know him say he holds the correct Doctrinal Faith of the Catholic Church, like the popes who came before him, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church.

He said: “We believe the Christian and Catholic faith will continue to be properly taught under his leadership and we, his assistants, will continue to help ensure the correct teachings of our Church are upheld. We expect good things concerning our faith and that it will continue to be guided appropriately