The Catholic Diocese of Moshi, located in the Kilimanjaro Region of northeastern Tanzania, traces its roots to the early missionary work of the Holy Ghost Fathers (C.S.Sp.) who arrived in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was formally established on 13 September 1910 as the Apostolic Vicariate of Kilima-Njaro, carved from the Apostolic Vicariate of Bagamoyo, to serve the growing Christian community on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. On 25 March 1953, the Vicariate was elevated to the Diocese of Moshi, with Christ the King Cathedral in Moshi town as its episcopal seat. The first bishop was Joseph James Byrne, C.S.Sp., marking the transition from missionary administration to a structured diocesan Church within Tanzania’s Catholic hierarchy.
Evangelization in the Moshi Diocese began through the dedicated efforts of the Holy Ghost Fathers, who combined preaching the Gospel with social and educational development. Mission stations were established in key areas, where missionaries-built schools, hospitals, and churches that became centers of both faith and learning. Over time, local vocations flourished, and indigenous clergy took on leadership roles, strengthening the diocese’s identity and outreach. The Church’s evangelization emphasized holistic development—spreading Christianity while improving education, health, and social welfare—making the Diocese of Moshi one of Tanzania’s most vibrant and influential Catholic communities.
Episcopal Leadership of the Diocese of Moshi
Auxiliary Bishops
P. O. Box 3011, Moshi
Tel: +255272752089
Fax: +255272750934
E-mail: bishopshouse_moshi@yahoo.com
CDNK Sisters Bishop’s House Moshi
Diocesan Chancery
P. Box 3041 Moshi
Tel: +255272752127
Fax: +255272751982
E-mail: catdi.moshi@gmail.com
The Catholic Diocese of Moshi, located in the Kilimanjaro Region of northeastern Tanzania, covers an area of approximately 5,029 km² and serves a Catholic population of about 785,000 out of a total of 1,092,000 people, according to the 2020 directory. It was originally founded as the Apostolic Vicariate of Kilima-Njaro on 13 September 1910 and later elevated to the Diocese of Moshi on 25 March 1953. The diocese is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Arusha, with its episcopal seat at Christ the King Cathedral in Moshi town
