Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed the Archbishop of Mwanza, Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, as the new Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He is a member of the Capuchin order.
Eventually, when the incumbent, His Eminence Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, resigns the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Dar, His Grace Archbishop Ruwa’ichi succeed him. This is because Coadjutor Bishops have a “right to succession.” According to Canon Law, this means that when the current Bishop leaves office either by death or resignation, the Coadjutor automatically becomes the new Ordinary. Catholic Bishops are expected to hand in their resignation, to the Holy Father, when they reach the age of 75 years. Cardinal Pengo is 73 years old.
An articulate preacher, His Excellency Archbishop Ruwa’ichi comes from an academic background. He is also a former member of the Capuchin General Definitory; former Bishop of Mbulu, Dodoma and Mwanza Dioceses. For close to three years, he was the Apostolic Administrator of Shinyanga Diocese in Tanzania.
