Pope Leo XIV met with Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, at the Vatican as the East African nation continues to contend with the fallout from violent clashes that followed its October 2025 general election. The meeting took place ahead of the Pope’s general audience on 28 January 2026, during which Kombo delivered a message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The October polls, which confirmed President Hassan’s leadership, were marred by clashes and unrest in several regions, with international media reporting that several people were killed during protests and confrontations linked to perceived irregularities and political tensions. The unrest marked a departure from Tanzania’s long-standing reputation for political stability.
In response to the violence, President Hassan established a commission of inquiry tasked with reconstructing events, identifying responsible parties and restoring public trust in the electoral process. That commission is already underway as part of the country’s official efforts to address national concerns.
Religious leaders across Tanzania, from Christian bishops to Muslim imams, condemned the post-election violence and called for an independent investigation to ensure accountability and reconciliation. Pope Leo himself publicly appealed for calm and dialogue in his Angelus address, urging Tanzanians to abandon violence and pursue peaceful engagement.
The Vatican’s engagement with Tanzanian officials highlights broader international and faith-based efforts to support stability, human rights and dialogue in the aftermath of the disputed elections, as the country works toward healing and political inclusivity.
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