Pope Leo XIV Receives Tanzanian Foreign Minister Amid Post Election Inquiry
Pope Leo XIV met with Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo at the Vatican on Wednesday, ahead of the weekly general audience, as the East African nation continues to confront the aftermath of violence linked to its most recent elections. The minister, who is on an international diplomatic visit, conveyed a message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, reaffirmed as Tanzania’s head of state following polls held in October 2025. The encounter took place against the backdrop of heightened international attention on the situation in Tanzania, where electoral unrest marked a sharp departure from the country’s long standing reputation for relative political stability. Vatican sources indicated that the meeting reflected the Holy See’s ongoing concern for peace, dialogue, and the protection of human life in regions affected by political conflict.
The elections, held toward the end of October, were followed by outbreaks of violence in several parts of the country, resulting in significant loss of life according to international reporting. The clashes shocked many observers, particularly given Tanzania’s history of avoiding major post election unrest and maintaining social cohesion across political and religious lines. In response, President Hassan established a national commission of inquiry tasked with reconstructing the events surrounding the violence and identifying those responsible. The commission has already begun its work, with authorities emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability as a foundation for national reconciliation. Religious leaders across Tanzania, including Christian and Muslim authorities, have publicly condemned the violence and called for an independent and credible investigation.
Pope Leo XIV has previously expressed his concern over the situation in Tanzania, using his Angelus address in early November to appeal for calm and restraint. He urged all parties to reject violence and to pursue dialogue as the only path toward lasting peace and unity. Vatican observers note that such appeals are consistent with the Holy See’s broader diplomatic and pastoral approach, which emphasizes reconciliation, justice, and respect for human dignity during periods of political tension. The meeting with the Tanzanian foreign minister signals continued Vatican engagement with the situation, reinforcing calls for peaceful solutions and moral responsibility in public life while encouraging efforts aimed at healing divisions and restoring trust within Tanzanian society.
