Diocese of Morogoro

Lazarus Vitalis Msimbe, S.D.S., was born on December 27, 1963, in Morogoro and was ordained a priest on June 21, 1998. He studied Philosophy at Our Lady of the Angels Major Seminary in Kibosho, Diocese of Moshi (1990–1993), and Theology at St. Charles Lwanga Senior Seminary in Segerea, Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam (1993–1998). He belongs to the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) and made his perpetual vows on December 8, 1994. He served in the parish of Lukuledi, Diocese of Tunduru-Masasi (1998), and was Director of the Seminary and of vocations for the Salvatorian Province in Tanzania (1998–2002). He served as Novice Master for the Salvatorians in Nakapanya, Tunduru-Masasi (2002–2005), and as Provincial Superior of the Institute in Tanzania (2005–2011). He studied Civil and Canon Law, obtaining a doctorate in England at Heythrop College, London, while also providing pastoral service in various parishes (2012–2016). Upon returning to Tanzania in 2016 to serve as a formator for Salvatorian seminarians at Jordan University College in Morogoro, he acted as community bursar and, from 2017 to February 2019, as Vice-Provincial Superior of the Salvatorians in Tanzania. On February 13, 2019, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator *sede plena*, and on December 30, 2020, Apostolic Administrator *sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis* of the Diocese of Morogoro.