Death of Bishop Mfumbusa, at Age 64, Just Appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Dicastery of Communications - RIP

Tanzania Mourns the Loss of Bishop Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa (1962–2026)

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Tanzania (TEC) has formally announced the passing of Bishop Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Kondoa. The 64-year-old prelate passed away, on April 14th, at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma following a period of illness.

A Life of Service and Communication

Bishop Mfumbusa was a prominent figure in the global Church, recognized for his expertise in media and his commitment to modern evangelization. His death comes just five days after a significant career milestone: on April 9, 2026, Pope Leo XIV had appointed him as a member of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication.

His leadership extended across the continent; in the summer of 2025, he was elected President of the Pan-African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS) during the SECAM Plenary Assembly in Kigali.

Legacy and Milestones

  • Early Ministry: Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dodoma in 1992.

  • The First Bishop of Kondoa: Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011 to lead the newly established diocese.

  • Academic Excellence: Earned a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome) in 1997. He served as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at St. Augustine Catholic University of Tanzania (SAUT).

  • Interfaith Bridge-Builder: In the predominantly Muslim region of Kondoa, Bishop Mfumbusa was highly respected for fostering peaceful coexistence and social harmony between religious communities.

A Digital Visionary

Beyond his pastoral duties, Bishop Mfumbusa was a passionate advocate for the Church’s digital evolution. He worked tirelessly to integrate new media into the Church's outreach, ensuring that the message of the Gospel remained relevant and accessible in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

"His passing is a profound loss not only for the Diocese of Kondoa but for the entire African Church and the global communication network of the Holy See."

Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/it/chiesa/news/2026-04/morte-mfumbusa-vescovo-tanzania-dicastero-comunicazione.html 

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