Protase Rugambwa


Protase Rugambwa is a Tanzanian prelate of the Catholic Church who has been the secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples since his appointment 9 November 2017. He previously served as that congregation's adjunct secretary and president of Pontifical Mission Societies since his appointment on 26 June 2012.

Biography

Rugambwa was born in 1960 at Bunena, in the diocese of Bukoba. After his primary and secondary schools in various seminaries and Minor Katoke Itaga, he studied philosophy at Kibosho Senior Seminary and theology at St. Charles Lwanga Segerea Senior Seminary.
He was ordained priest on 2 September 1990 in Dar-es-Salaam by John Paul II during his pastoral visit to Tanzania, and incardiated the diocese of Rulenge.
After ordination he held the following offices: 1990-1991: Parish Vicar in the parish of Mabira, 1991-1994: Teacher in the Minor Seminary of Katoke, in charge of the Liturgy and Diocesan Chaplain of the hospital Biharamulo, 1994-1998: Studies for a doctorate in pastoral theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, 1998-1999: Trainer of the Year seminarians spiritual, Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Rulenge, Executive Secretary of the Department of Pastoral Care, 2000-2002: Vicar General of the diocese Moderator of Rulenge and Personnel; 2002-2008: Official of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
On 18 January 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Kigoma, Tanzania. He received his episcopal consecration on 13 April.
On 26 June 2012 Rugambwa was appointed adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and concurrently president of Pontifical Mission Societies, replacing Archbishop Piergiuseppe Vacchelli, who had reached the retirement age. He was at the same time appointed archbishop ad personam.
On 9 November 2017 Pope Francis promoted him to secretary of the Congregation.