Pope Leo XIV Urges Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast to Foster “reconciliation among all the sons, daughters”

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the “generous service and implored the Holy Spirit to enlighten you during these days of reflection and work, so that your deliberations may bear abundant fruit for the good of the Church-Family of God in Ivory Coast.”

Delegates at the 128th plenary assembly taking place in the Catholic Diocese of San Pedro from January 20-25 are reflecting on the Church’s journey, prayer, and strengthening acts of synodality.

In his address during the January 20 event, CECCI President said the Bishops’ deliberations are structured around two main fronts: the ecclesial front and the social front.

He emphasized that the Church, while rooted in faith, remains deeply engaged with society, noting that “nothing that is human is foreign to the Church.”

On the ecclesial front, Bishop Kouadio explained that the Bishops are reviewing the work and recommendations of several Episcopal Commissions, including those responsible for the Clergy, seminaries and pastoral vocations, liturgy, sacred music and art, and Catholic education. 

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The Bishops are also assessing the financial situation of the Bishops’ Conference in collaboration with the Council for Economic Affairs.

Among the major projects under discussion is the proposed creation of a Catholic university, to be known as UCASI, as well as a spiritual resource center. 

According to Bishop Kouadio, these initiatives will rely primarily on local contributions through the National Catholic Fund.

In this context, the CECCI President expressed gratitude to Catholic faithful for their generosity, which has already made possible the construction of the “City of Peace,” now renamed Bernardo Cardinal Yago in honor of the late Ivorian Cardinal. 

He added that the Bishops hope to encourage renewed enthusiasm and collective support ahead of the 2026 fundraising campaign.

Bishop Kouadio also announced progress on a major project aimed at supporting the Clergy pension fund, namely the construction of a four-story building in Abidjan. 

He said the work is nearing completion and is expected to be finalized soon, if conditions remain favorable.

Turning to the social front, the CECCI President said the Bishops are closely examining developments in Ivory Coast and the wider West African sub-region, particularly in light of the country’s electoral period. 

He noted that the Bishops are attentive to political developments while also considering regional dynamics.

“May Christ, our hope, keep us united in the mission whose ultimate goal is the salvation of humanity in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Kouadio implored.

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.