Laurean Rugambwa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laurean Rugambwa |
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| Archbishop Emeritus of Dar-es-Salaam | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Dar-es-Salaam |
| See | Dar-es-Salaam |
| Appointed | 19 December 1969 |
| Reign ended | 22 July 1992 |
| Predecessor | Edgar Aristide Maranta |
| Successor | Polycarp Pengo |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of San Francesco d'Assisi a Ripa Grande (1960-92) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 12 December 1943 |
| Consecration | 10 February 1952 by David James Mathew |
| Created Cardinal | 28 March 1960 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Laurean Rugambwa |
| Born | 12 July 1912 Bukoba,  German East Africa |
| Died | 8 December 1997 (aged 85) Dar-es-Salaam,  Tanzania |
| Previous post |
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| Alma mater | Pontifical Urbaniana University |
| Motto | Mater boni consilii |
| Styles of Laurean Rugambwa |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Dar es Salaam (emeritus) |
Laurean Rugambwa was a very important leader in the Catholic Church. He was born on July 12, 1912, and passed away on December 8, 1997. He made history by becoming the first African Cardinal in modern times. A Cardinal is a high-ranking official in the Catholic Church. He also served as the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam from 1968 to 1992. He became a Cardinal in 1960.
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Life and Church Service
Laurean Rugambwa was born into a noble family in Bukongo, which was then called Tanganyika. Today, this area is part of Tanzania. He was baptized with his parents when he was 8 years old, on March 19, 1921.
Early Education and Priesthood
After his early studies, Laurean Rugambwa attended Katigondo National Major Seminary in Uganda. He was then ordained as a priest on December 12, 1943. Bishop Burcardo Huwiler was the one who ordained him.
After becoming a priest, Rugambwa worked as a missionary in West Africa until 1949. He then traveled to Rome to continue his education. He studied at the Pontifical Urbaniana University and earned a special degree in church law, called a doctorate in canon law.
Becoming a Bishop and Cardinal
On December 13, 1951, Rugambwa was chosen to be the Titular Bishop of Febiana. He also became the first Apostolic Vicar of Lower Kagera. At that time, he was the youngest bishop in all of Africa.
He officially became a bishop on February 10, 1952. Archbishop David Mathew led the ceremony. In 1953, his area was made into a full diocese, and Pope Pius XII named him the Bishop of Rutabo.
A very important moment came on March 28, 1960. Pope John XXIII made him a Cardinal Priest. This made him the first native African to become a Cardinal in modern history. A few months later, on June 21, his diocese was renamed Bukoba.
Work as a Cardinal
Cardinal Rugambwa was known for his modern ideas. He attended the Second Vatican Council, a major meeting of Catholic leaders, from 1962 to 1965. He strongly believed that the Roman Curia, which is the Pope's main administrative body, should include people from all over the world. He also supported working closely with other Christian churches.
After the Second Vatican Council, Cardinal Rugambwa helped put its new ideas into practice. He was one of the cardinals who helped choose the new Pope in 1963, when Pope Paul VI was elected.
On December 19, 1968, he became the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam. He also took part in the elections for new Popes in 1978. These elections chose Pope John Paul I and later Pope John Paul II.
Cardinal Rugambwa served as Archbishop of Dar es Salaam for 23 years. During this time, he did many important things. He started the first Catholic hospital in Ukonga. He also founded a group of Catholic nuns called the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. He retired as Archbishop on July 22, 1992.
Later Life and Passing
Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa passed away in Dar es Salaam at the age of 85. His body was moved from a local church and buried in the cathedral of the Bukoba diocese. After his death, only two cardinals created by Pope John XXIII were still alive.
Interesting Facts
- In 1961, Cardinal Rugambwa received an honorary doctorate in laws from the University of Notre Dame in the United States.
- In August 1978, after helping to elect a new Pope, he visited the United States. While he was there, he heard the news that Pope John Paul I had passed away.
See also
- Novatus Rugambwa - another archbishop and church diplomat from Tanzania
