President Magufuli rejects requests to repossess church buildings

President Magufuli said he will contact Cardinal Pengo in Dar es Salaam to explain on reasons which led to rejection of their requests

PRESIDENT John Magufuli has rejected a request by Catholic Church to repossess some of buildings in Bagamoyo district, Coast Region Eastern Tanzania.

Speaking soon after installation of a new Archbishop for Arusha Archdiocese Bishop Isaac Amani, this afternoon President Magufuli said Polycarp Cardinal Pengo had written to him several times requesting to repossess the buildings which earlier were owned by the Church.

“Let met tell you the truth no it is not possible Cardinal Pengo if it is a sin to say so here please forgive me, President Magufuli told more than 5,000 people who attended the event at St Theresa Cathedral Church.

President Magufuli said he will contact Cardinal Pengo in Dar es Salaam to explain on reasons which led to rejection of their requests.

However President Magufuli said the government will work on all challenges facing the church in Arusha region

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“I have heard all your concerns regarding Naura primary school, a garden and St Jude School , please give me time to work on them”, he said.

President Magufuli said there are some challenges which needs detailed explanations before making final decision .

Eminent Bishop Amani , has becomes the fourth Head of the Catholic Archdiocese in Arusha region

Bishop Massawe is replacing the outgoing Archbishop Dr Josaphat Louis Lebulu, who retired last year after serving the Arusha Archdiocese for twenty years.