Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has extended her congratulations to Bishop Wolfgang Pisa on his election as President of the Tanzania Catholic Bishops Council (TEC).
Bishop Pisa, who leads the Lindi Catholic Diocese, assumes this influential role within the country’s Catholic Church.
In a public statement, President Hassan described Bishop Pisa’s selection as “the result of the faith and expectations of the Church for your service.” She highlighted the Bishop’s Episcopal motto, “I am thirsty,” drawn from the Gospel of John, chapter 19, verse 28.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, Bishop of Lindi Catholic Diocese for being elected President of the Tanzania Catholic Bishops Council (TEC),” she said.
“Your selection in this pastoral position for the Catholic Church in the country is the result of the faith and expectations of the Church for your service.
“I am quoting two words from the Holy Bible in the Gospel of John 19:28, “…I am thirsty” which you also chose as your Episcopal motto. In this service, I pray for your thirst to continue working to build the Church on the foundations of love, justice, truth, caring for the poor, unity, peace, solidarity, dignity and serving the community and Tanzanians in general, inside and outside the Catholic Church.
“I wish you all the best. May Allah hold your hand and guide you.”
The President expressed her hopes for Bishop Pisa’s tenure, emphasising several key areas of focus. These include building the Church on foundations of “love, justice, truth, caring for the poor, unity, peace, solidarity, dignity and serving the community and Tanzanians in general, inside and outside the Catholic Church.”
This congratulatory message from Tanzania’s head of state to a prominent Catholic leader underscores the importance of interfaith relations in the country. Tanzania, with its diverse religious landscape, has long valued harmony between different faith communities.
President Hassan’s statement concluded with well-wishes for Bishop Pisa’s success in his new role, notably invoking Allah’s guidance – a reflection of her own Muslim faith and the country’s tradition of religious tolerance.
The Tanzania Catholic Bishops Council plays a significant role in guiding the Catholic Church’s activities and engagement with society in Tanzania.
