Rome: The Catholic Church is mourning the passing of Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, a seasoned diplomat of the Holy See and a son of Tanzania, who died in Rome on September 16 at the age of 67. Known for his deep pastoral commitment and years of service across continents, Archbishop Rugambwa leaves behind a legacy of faith, charity, and diplomacy.
The Archbishop breathed his last while receiving treatment at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, one of the city’s most renowned Catholic medical institutions. His death was confirmed by the Diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania, where he was born and ordained a priest nearly four decades ago.
Bishop Jovitus Francis Mwijage of Bukoba conveyed the diocese’s sorrow in an official statement.
“Tumsifu Yesu Kristo. 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, urging the faithful to pray for his eternal rest.
Born on October 8, 1957, in Bukoba, Tanzania, Rugambwa entered the priesthood on July 6, 1986, ordained by the late Bishop Nestorius Timanywa. After years of parish service and academic formation, he joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1991, a move that began a distinguished global journey representing the Pope in diverse regions.
His work took him to multiple postings in Vatican embassies around the world, where he handled delicate missions of faith and diplomacy. On June 28, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, placing him at the heart of the Church’s outreach to vulnerable populations on the move.
In 2010, Pope Benedict elevated him to the rank of Archbishop and appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Angola and SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe. His episcopal ordination was presided over by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, then Vatican Secretary of State.
Later, his assignments expanded under Pope Francis, who entrusted him with further responsibilities in Latin America and Oceania. On March 5, 2015, he was named Apostolic Nuncio to Honduras, and in 2019 he was appointed Nuncio to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. In 2021, his mission extended to cover Micronesia, Fiji, Tonga, Nauru, Palau, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands a vast area of pastoral and diplomatic responsibility.
Archbishop Rugambwa was widely respected not only as a skilled diplomat but also as a pastor with a heart for migrants, the marginalized, and the youth. Friends and colleagues recall his humility, accessibility, and his dedication to strengthening the Church’s voice in regions often overlooked on the global stage.
His death marks the loss of one of Africa’s most prominent representatives in Vatican diplomacy, but his life’s work continues to inspire clergy and laity alike.
The Diocese of Bukoba confirmed that funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course, with plans expected to involve both Rome and his native Tanzania. Meanwhile, Catholics across the globe are uniting in prayer 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,” the faithful of Bukoba prayed in unison, echoing the words of their bishop.