President Samia Suluhu Hassan has humbly expressed her gratitude after receiving a heartfelt message from the late Pope Francis, written just days before his passing. In the letter, the Pope extended his best wishes to Tanzania on the 61st Union Anniversary of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, celebrated on April 26, 2025.

On April 27, 2025, President Samia shared the letter on her X and Instagram accounts, along with a message of thanks and prayers for the late Pope. Vice President Philip Mpango had earlier revealed at the Pope’s funeral in Vatican that this letter was among the last documents the Pope signed.