The Diocese of Iringa is one of the oldest ecclesiastical territories in southern Tanzania. It originated from the missionary work of the Consolata Missionaries (I.C.M.) in the early 20th century.
The Apostolic Prefecture of Iringa was established on 3 March 1922, with Fr. Francesco Cagliero, I.C.M. as its first Apostolic Prefect. It was elevated to an Apostolic Vicariate in 1948 and then to a Diocese in 1953, initially as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Songea. Over the years, the Diocese contributed to the creation of new dioceses, including Njombe (1968) and Mafinga (2023), and since 2018, it has been a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Mbeya.
Evangelization in Iringa began in the early 1920s, with the Consolata Missionaries establishing missions at Tosamaganga and Isimila. They focused on spreading the Gospel alongside education, healthcare, and social development.
Local catechists played a key role in reaching remote communities, supporting the growth of parishes, schools, health centers, and the Makalala Catechetical Training Centre near Mafinga. The Diocese emphasizes integral evangelization, promoting both spiritual and human development through education, youth and family ministries, and Caritas social programs. In 2023, it celebrated 125 years of missionary presence and Christian witness in the region.
• Fr. Francesco Cagliero, I.C.M. (1922–1935) – First Apostolic Prefect of Iringa and founder of the local Church.
• Msgr. Attilio Beltramino, I.C.M. (1936–1965) – Vicar Apostolic and later first Bishop of Iringa after its elevation in 1953.
• Most Rev. Mario Epifanio Abdallah Mgulunde (1969–1985) – Promoted local clergy formation; later became Archbishop of Tabora.
• Most Rev. Norbert Wendelin Mtega (1985–1992) – Strengthened evangelization; later appointed Archbishop of Songea.
• Most Rev. Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa (1992–2025) – Longest-serving bishop; guided the diocese through great pastoral growth.
• Most Rev. Romanus Elamu Mihali (2025–Present) – Current bishop, continuing the mission of evangelization and service.
The Catholic Diocese of Iringa is located in the city of Iringa, in the Iringa Region of Tanzania. It covers approximately 32,202 km² (after the 2023 territorial reorganization) and serves a population of about 2.17 million people, of whom roughly 530,094 are Catholics — about 24.4% of the total population.
