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

Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo urged priests, 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 called on 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 and autonomous family of God serving all people. Dogbo explained that the current gathering serves to assess the implementation of a vision established during a synodal process launched in early 2024. That process resulted in ten guidelines for communion, participation, and mission that the Archdiocese has been working to apply.

The Cardinal stated that the meeting is not meant to create a new direction but to determine how the Archdiocese can better achieve its goals through 2028. He encouraged participants to view the diocesan vision with confidence and clarity.