Mwalimu JULIUS NYERERE A "Politician with Soul" and A "Servant of God"

Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania (in office 1961-85) fought for human-centered development, sought empowerment for the poorest in his country, and maintened a deep respect for human rights and interreligious peace in an unstable part of the world. A committed Catholic who regularly mediated on the Scriptures, he translated liturgical texts into popular Swahili, while prophetically advocating for a more socially relevant Church. He led a very simple lifestyle. In 2005 Bishop Justin Samba of the Diocese of Musoma and  the Tanzania Episcopal Conference requested the Holy See to declare Nyerere a saint. In the same year, Pope Benedict XVI declared Julius Kambarage Nyerere a "Servant of God".

This colloquium explores the link between faith and the political career of Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania (in office 1964-85), as an example of the new politics advocated by Pope Francis.