Apostolic Nuncio in Ivory Coast Urges Newly Consecrated Bishop to Live His Episcopal Ministry as a “gift, service”

According to the representative of the Holy Father in Ivory Coast, the Episcopate is “the gift of Christ to His Church in the apostolic succession that originates in his commandment to Peter,” and also “the gift to a particular Church due to the request of the Holy Father, Leon XIV, who appointed a new pastor for Abengourou.”

He further noted that Episcopal Ministry involves a personal response to Christ’s call. 

“It is the gift that Monsignor Jean-Pierre makes of himself by responding to the call of Christ. Follow me, dear Mon. Jean-Pierre,” the Colombian-born Vatican diplomat said.

Archbishop Beltz went on to note that the Episcopate is not only a gift but also a service. 

“Secondly, the Episcopate is a service. It is a ministry of love, a service,” the Apostolic Nuncio said.

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Citing St. Augustine, he reminded the Bishop-elect that the Episcopate “is a service and not an honor,” calling him to watch over those entrusted to his care and to be useful to them.

The Apostolic Nuncio urged Bishop-elect to lead with pastoral charity and personal example.

“Be a model for the believers by your word and your conduct, by your charity, your faith and your purity, apply yourself to encourage and instruct them,” he said.

Archbishop Beltz implored, “May Mary, who since the Annunciation has made of her life a gift and a service, intercede for your Episcopal ministry. May it be truly a gift from God to his Church. May it be a service that leads you on the road to the meeting of sons and daughters of Abengourou.”

Pope Leo XIV appointed Mons. Tiémélé as the Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Abengourou on 22 October 2025.

Born in February 1969 in Treichville, Mons. Tiémélé was ordained a Priest in January 2011.

In his maiden speech as Local Ordinary of Abengourou Diocese, Bishop Tiémélé presented himself as an “unworthy servant,” acknowledging the greatness, beauty, and goodness of God as revealed in human weakness.

Giving thanks to God for his call, he expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for the trust placed in him, paid tribute to his predecessor, Bishop Gbaya Boniface Ziri.

Bishop Tiémélé entrusted his ministry to the prayers of the People of God, reaffirming his commitment to serve the diocese in humility and faith.

“From now on, to strengthen you in faith will be my mission,” he said.

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Bishop Tiémélé is to serve as the sixth Local Ordinary of Abengourou Diocese that has a population of 749,548 Catholics, according to 2023 statistics.

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.