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Pope Francis Urges Bishops in Ivory Coast to Renew Missionary Zeal, Lead Faithful with “compassionate hearts”

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast (CECCI). Credit: CECCI

Pope Francis has encouraged Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast to embrace renewal in their pastoral mission and to lead with compassionate hearts, as the nation marks significant milestones in its evangelization journey. 

In his message delivered during the opening ceremony of the 126th Plenary Assembly of members of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast (CECCI) on Tuesday, January 20, Pope Francis extended his blessings and fraternal greetings to the Bishops, urging them to approach their assembly as an opportunity for reflection on the Church’s mission amid evolving societal contexts.

“Your meeting, a moment of reflection on the life and mission of the Church in your country, is held while you prepare your dioceses for the celebration of important events—the 130th anniversary of evangelization in the country and the 50th anniversary of your Episcopal Conference,” the Pope said in the message that was read by the Apostolic Nuncio in Ivory Coast, Archbishop Mauricio Rueda Beltz.

The Holy Father expressed gratitude to God for the blessings bestowed upon the Church in Ivory Coast.

He highlighted the significance of the dual jubilees, describing them as an invitation to embrace a future-oriented vision rooted in the spirit of the Jubilee. 

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Pope Francis called on CECCI members to be shepherds marked by mercy and inclusivity. 

He encouraged the Bishops to be “pastors with compassionate hearts and open to all, without distinction. It is also an invitation addressed to everyone to become pilgrims of hope towards the future.”

Reflecting on the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel in contemporary times, Pope Francis urged Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast to remain open to transformation and innovation in their ministry. 

“Do not be afraid to change, to review the old path, to renew the languages of faith,” he said, adding that missionary work is “fundamentally a matter of faith, not human strategy.”

The Holy Father acknowledged the Bishops' collective journey in guiding the Church in Ivory Coast and expressed gratitude for their solidarity and mutual support. 

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He emphasized that their leadership, rooted in unity and love, is essential for strengthening the faithful in their spiritual path.

Pope Francis expressed hope that the deliberations during the assembly would inspire concrete actions aligned with the aspirations of the people of Ivory Coast.

The 126th plenary assembly taking place in the Catholic Diocese of Bondoukou from January 20-26 is expected to discuss financial autonomy and Catholic Education.

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.