The Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma is located in the heart of Tanzania, with its seat in Dodoma city. Covering nearly 38,743 square kilometers, it serves a diverse population of over two million people, a significant number of whom are Catholics. The Archdiocese reaches across both urban centers and remote rural communities, providing pastoral care, education, healthcare, and social support, and playing a vital role in the spiritual and social life of the region.
The Catholic Church in Dodoma began its journey in 1935 with the establishment of the Apostolic Prefecture, bringing missionaries to lay the foundation for the Church in the region. These early efforts led to the creation of parishes, schools, and clinics, and by 1953 the Prefecture had grown into the Diocese of Dodoma. Over the decades, the Diocese developed a strong presence in the region, nurturing a growing Catholic community and eventually being elevated to an Archdiocese in 2014, reflecting its vibrant and expanding mission
Evangelization in Dodoma has always been at the heart of the Church’s mission, starting with the early missionaries who introduced the Gospel while attending to the practical needs of the local population. They established mission stations, parishes, schools, and healthcare facilities, laying the foundation for a growing faith community. These missionaries’ work set the stage for the long-term growth of the Church, fostering both spiritual life and social development in communities that were previously underserved.
As the Church expanded, more religious congregations and lay movements joined the mission, strengthening the Archdiocese’s outreach. Priests, religious sisters, and catechists have worked tirelessly to bring the Gospel to remote villages, while also developing educational and healthcare initiatives. The Archdiocese has grown to encompass numerous parishes, schools, and health centers, creating a strong network of spiritual and social support across its territory.
Today, evangelization continues as a dynamic, ongoing process. The Archdiocese engages the faithful in vibrant parish life, youth programs, social development initiatives, and community services. Through its outreach, it continues to nurture faith, encourage participation in the Church, and address both spiritual and practical needs, embodying a living mission that touches every aspect of life in the Dodoma region
The archdiocese has been guided by committed leaders who have shaped its mission and growth:
• Stanislao dell’Addolorata, C.P. – Prefect Apostolic, 1937–1941
• Anthony Jeremiah Pesce, C.P. – Vicar Apostolic (1951) and Bishop of Dodoma, 1953–1971
• Matthias Joseph Isuja – Bishop of Dodoma, 1972–2005
• Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, O.F.M. Cap. – Bishop of Dodoma, 2005–2010
• Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga – Bishop of Dodoma, 2011–2014
• Beatus Kinyaiya, O.F.M. Cap. – First Archbishop of Dodoma, 2014–present
Auxiliary Bishop:
• Wilbroad Henry Kibozi – Auxiliary Bishop, 2024–present
The Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma is located in the heart of Tanzania, with its seat in Dodoma city. Covering nearly 38,743 square kilometers, it serves a diverse population of over two million people, a significant number of whom are Catholics. The Archdiocese reaches across both urban centers and remote rural communities, providing pastoral care, education, healthcare, and social support, and playing a vital role in the spiritual and social life of the region
