Vatican City (Fides Service ) – The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has (21 November 2003) accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Abengourou (Ivory Coast), presented by Bishop Bruno Kouamé, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, Canon 401 § 1.
The Holy Father has appointed Bishop of Abengourou, Reverend Father Jean-Jacques Koffi Oi Koffi, Vicar general and parish priest of the cathedral.
The Bishop elect was born on March 22, 1962 at Bongouanou, diocese of Abengourou. He studied for the priesthood in Ivory Coast and in Rome at the Pontifical Urban University where he obtained a degree in Canon Law. He was ordained a priest on 4 August 1990 for the diocese of Abengourou. He has been assistant priest, diocesan head of children’s catechesis, parish priest, second Vicar general and Spiritual Assistant to the Association of Christian Families. He is President of the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Court.
Abengourou diocese (1963) is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Bouake. It has an area of 28.000 sq. km and a population of 1.000.000 (mainly Agni ethnic group), there are 210.000 Catholics, gathered in 13 parishes, assisted by 48 priests (34 diocesan and 14 missionary), 3 brothers, 28 women religious of 8 different congregations and there are 48 major seminarians. The Catholic Church runs in this diocese 40 first grade schools and 2 colleges. (S.L.) (Fides Service 21/11/2003; lines 17; words 214)