Pope Leo XIV has announced new episcopal appointments in Ivory Coast, naming Monsignor Jean-Pierre Tanoh Tiémélé as Bishop of Abengourou Diocese and transferring Bishop Alexis Youlo Touabli to the Diocese of San Pedro-en-Côte d’Ivoire. The Holy Father also accepted the resignation of Bishop Gbaya Boniface Ziri, who has reached the canonical retirement age of 75.
Monsignor Tiémélé, born in Treichville in 1969 and ordained a priest in 2011, expressed deep gratitude to God following his appointment. Describing the moment as one of awe and thanksgiving, he said, “If there is one thing a human being should never tire of expressing, it is gratitude — gratitude to God, the Alpha and the Omega, the author of life.”
He thanked the Holy Father for entrusting him with the new mission and pledged to guide the faithful of Abengourou Diocese with humility, emphasizing that his episcopal ministry will be inspired by three divine attributes — greatness, beauty, and goodness. “In all humility and with the strength of the Holy Spirit, I will strive to show the People of God the greatness, the beauty, and the goodness of God,” he affirmed.
Once consecrated, Monsignor Tiémélé will become the sixth bishop of Abengourou, a diocese with more than 740,000 Catholics. His episcopal ordination is scheduled for January 3, 2026. He invited the faithful to accompany him in prayer as he prepares for this new chapter of service, saying, “Valiant People of God of Abengourou, I count on your prayers to carry out this mission of the Church, while assuring you of my fraternal prayers. May God keep us in His love.”
Pope Leo XIV also appointed Bishop Alexis Youlo Touabli, previously of the Diocese of Agboville, as the new shepherd of San Pedro-en-Côte d’Ivoire Diocese, which has been vacant since April following the transfer of Archbishop Jean-Jacques Koffi Oi Koffi to the Archdiocese of Gagnoa.
Born in 1961 in Bereblo Tabou, Bishop Touabli was ordained a priest in 1987 and became the first Bishop of Agboville in 2006. Reflecting on his transfer, he expressed both gratitude and trust in divine providence. “For the chapter that is closing, I say thank you, Lord, for all the good You have done for Your people through my humble ministry. For the chapter that is beginning in San Pedro, I also say thank you, Lord. I entrust myself entirely into Your hands,” he said.
He also offered heartfelt appreciation to the faithful of Agboville for nearly two decades of collaboration, calling them “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” and assuring them that the spiritual bond they share will continue beyond physical separation. Addressing his new diocese, he added joyfully, “My new diocesan family of San Pedro, I am happy to see you again after 19 years. Wait for me — I’m coming.”
Upon installation, Bishop Touabli will become the fourth Bishop of San Pedro, a diocese serving more than 249,000 Catholics.
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