Early Life and Formation

Birth & Family Background

• Jude Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi was born on 30 December 1954 in Mulo-Kilema, in the Diocese of Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, the name Ruwa’ichi is Chagga name which mean MUNGU ANAJUA. He joined the Capuchins and was ordained a priest on 25 November 1981. He has served as a member of the order’s governing body (General Definitorium)

• Family: Born into a devout Catholic Chagga family, his upbringing was deeply rooted in faith.

Education & Early Calling

• Primary Education: Attended local Catholic schools in Kilimanjaro.

• Seminary Formation:

  • Joined the Capuchin Franciscans (OFM Cap.), a religious order known for simplicity and missionary work.

  • Studied philosophy and theology at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Mabibo, Dar es Salaam.

• Priestly Ordination:

  • Ordained a priest on July 7, 1985, in the Diocese of Moshi.

Priestly Ministry & Leadership Roles

Early Pastoral Work (1985–1990s)

• Served in parishes in Moshi and Arusha, gaining a reputation for humility, pastoral care, and devotion to the poor.

• Became a formator at St. Augustine Seminary, mentoring future priests.

Higher Studies & Specialization

• Earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome.

• Specialized in moral theology and social ethics, shaping his later emphasis on justice and integrity in leadership.

Episcopal Ministry:

Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Mbulu on 9 February 1999. He received his episcopal consecration from Archbishop Polycarp Pengo on 16 May. Pope John Paul appointed him Archbishop of Dodoma on 15 January 2005.

On 10 November 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Mwanza. In 2014, he participated in the launch of a program for the prevention and treatment HIV combined with efforts to prevent discrimination against people living with HIV. The program was based on a partnership with government agencies with NGO funding. He also served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shinyanga from 2013 to 2015.

Pope Francis appointed him Archbishop Coadjutor of Dar es Salaam on 21 June 2018. Ruwa’ichi became Archbishop upon the retirement of Cardinal Polycarp Pengo on 15 August 2019.

In March 2019, while announcing a partnership with private insurers to provide life insurance as they had health insurance, he challenged them to address education insurance to allow families to finance education with less dependence on sponsors and patrons.

He was President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference from 2006 to 2012. He has been an advocate of the Small Christian Communities movement.

Leadership Style & Legacy

• Pastoral Approach: Known for simplicity, approachability, and deep prayer life (influenced by St. Francis of Assisi).

• Theological Influence: Combines Capuchin spirituality with African contextual theology.

• National Influence: Regarded as a moral voice in Tanzanian society, often consulted on ethical issues.

Future Expectations

• Many see him as a potential future cardinal, given Dar es Salaam’s historic significance.

• Expected to play a key role in Tanzania’s 2025 elections, promoting justice and transparency.

Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi represents a new generation of African Church leaders—rooted in faith, committed to social justice, and dedicated to shepherding a rapidly growing Catholic community. His journey from a small village in Kilimanjaro to leading Tanzania’s most influential archdiocese reflects his humility, intellect, and pastoral heart.