President Samia Suluhu Hassan shared the final message of the late Pope Francis, which was addressed to her and all Tanzanians.
In a post on her official X account on Sunday, April 27, 2025, Samia revealed the message, written just days before the Pope’s passing. The message was personally handed to her by the Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, Archbishop Angelo Accattino.
Samia expressed her gratitude and humility in receiving the Pope’s message. She acknowledged the significance of the late pontiff’s words, which resonated not only with her but with the entire nation.
“Kwa unyenyekevu na shukrani, nimepokea ujumbe wa hayati Papa Francisko kwangu, kwa nchi yetu, na kwa Watanzania wote, aliouandika siku chache kabla Mwenyezi Mungu hajamwita kwake, na kumkabidhi Balozi wa Vatican hapa nchini, Askofu Mkuu Angelo Accattino,” she revealed.
Loosely translates :
“With humility and gratitude, I received the message from the late Pope Francis, written just days before he departed to be with the Lord. It was handed to me by Archbishop Angelo Accattino, and it carries with it a blessing and encouragement for all of us in Tanzania.
As the world mourns the loss of one of the most influential religious figures, Suluhu urged Tanzanians to keep Pope Francis in their prayers, asking for God’s mercy and the eternal rest of his soul.
“Tuendelee kumwombea kwa Mwenyezi Mungu alale mahali pema,” she added.
Loosely translates:
“We must continue to pray for Pope Francis, that he may rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
Content of the letter
In the letter, Archbishop Angelo Accattino delivered the final message from the late Pope Francis to Samia ahead of Tanzania’s Union Day. The message, prepared just days before the Pope’s passing, was a tribute to the enduring spirit of unity and peace that the Union Day represents.
“I have the honour to forward to Your Excellency the following message prepared by the late Holy Father, Pope Francis, just a few days before his sorrowful passing, on the occasion of the upcoming Union Day in Tanzania,” he wrote.
Pope’s message
Addressing the president and all Tanzanians, the late pope extended his heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Union Day. His message emphasised the importance of the nation’s unity and the role of faith in guiding the people of Tanzania towards a future of peace and prosperity.
“Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dodoma,” Pope Francis’s message to Tanzanians before his death.
“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.
