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Bishop Laurent Birfuoré Dabiré Appointed New Archbishop of Bobo-Dioulasso

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Laurent Birfuoré Dabiré the new Archbishop of Bobo-Dioulasso, accepting the retirement of Archbishop Paul Yemboaro Ouédraogo. Bishop Dabiré has extensive experience in the Church, having served as the Bishop of Dori and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference since 2019, and holds advanced degrees in Church law.

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Laurent Birfuoré Dabiré, who has served as the Bishop of Dori and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Burkina Faso and Niger since 2019, as the new Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. This announcement was officially made by the Holy See Press Office on December 18, 2024. Additionally, the Holy Father has accepted the retirement of the incumbent Archbishop Paul Yemboaro Ouédraogo, who has led the Archdiocese since November 2010 and is now 76 years of age.

Born in September 1965 in Dissin within the Diocese of Diébougou, Archbishop-elect Dabiré was ordained a priest in December 1995. He has held various positions throughout his priestly service, including teaching roles at both St. Tarcisius Minor Seminary and St. Jean Baptiste Wayalge Major Seminary in Ouagadougou. He possesses advanced academic qualifications, holding a Licentiate and Doctorate in Utoque Iure from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, alongside practical experience as a lecturer in civil law at Unity University in Bamako, Mali. Furthermore, he has served as a judicial vicar, chancellor, and an official on the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Bobo-Dioulasso.

The appointment of an Archbishop is a significant event within the Catholic Church, particularly in regions where the Church plays an essential role in community life. This particular change in leadership follows the retirement of a long-serving Archbishop, indicating a transition in pastoral leadership in Bobo-Dioulasso. Bishop Dabiré’s rich experience and scholarly background suggest a continuation of strong theological guidance for the Archdiocese and the broader Catholic community in Burkina Faso and Niger. His previous role as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference positions him to address contemporary challenges faced by the Church in the region.

In conclusion, the elevation of Bishop Laurent Birfuoré Dabiré to the role of Archbishop of Bobo-Dioulasso marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church in Burkina Faso. His well-rounded experience and commitment to pastoral service position him to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while navigating the future challenges of the Archdiocese. The retirement of Archbishop Ouédraogo and the subsequent appointment reflect the ongoing evolution of Church leadership in the region.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org

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