Bishop Wolfgang Pisa urges truth, forgiveness to prevent election violence

Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, chairman of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, called on Tanzanians to uphold the truth and examine the national electoral framework to prevent further election-related violence. Speaking during a homily at St. Andrew Kaggwa Cathedral in the Diocese of Lindi on Oct. 29, Pisa urged the country to acknowledge difficult realities regarding the disputed elections held on Oct. 29, 2025.

The bishop, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, suggested that if the current constitution and electoral laws cannot ensure fair and peaceful elections, that reality must guide the national response. He appealed for forgiveness for those detained in connection with the 2025 election violence.

Pisa's remarks occurred on a day dedicated by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference to national prayers for victims of the previous year's polls. Drawing on the biblical account of John the Baptist, he encouraged the faithful to defend the truth even at a personal cost and to avoid distorting it.