Cardinal Dogbo Challenges Pastoral Agents in Ivory Coast to Build a Self-Reliant Church

Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo called on clergy, religious, and lay faithful in the Archdiocese of Abidjan to evaluate their progress and overcome obstacles as the 2026–2027 pastoral year begins. Speaking at a three-day assembly at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Plateau on Friday, September 25, the cardinal urged pastoral agents to commit to a shared vision for the diocese.

The assembly, which runs through September 27, focuses on the theme of the Church as a synodal, autonomous family of God in Abidjan that serves everyone. Cardinal Dogbo stated that the gathering is not meant to present a new direction but to assess how the archdiocese is implementing the vision established during a synodal process that began in early 2024.

This existing vision grew from consultations with various members of the archdiocese and resulted in ten guidelines for communion, participation, and mission. The current meetings aim to determine how the archdiocese can better execute these goals through 2028.