AGBOVILLE, Ivory Coast – In a significant moment for the Catholic Church in Ivory Coast, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Mons. Assandé Darius Ekou as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Agboville. The announcement, made public by the Holy See Press Office on Friday, February 27, 2026, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the diocese, which has been vacant since October 2025. This appointment comes at a time of continued growth and spiritual renewal for the Ivorian Church, which is home to the world’s largest Christian church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro.
A Life Dedicated to Service and Scholarship
Bishop-elect Darius Ekou brings a wealth of pastoral and academic experience to his new role. Born on April 27, 1968, in Bongouanou, within the Diocese of Abengourou, he was ordained a priest on September 7, 1996, after completing his philosophical and theological studies at the Saint Cœur de Marie Major Seminary in Anyama. His journey in the priesthood has been characterized by a deep commitment to both the spiritual and intellectual life of the Church.
The Bishop-elect holds a doctorate in the Social Doctrine of the Church from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, a testament to his dedication to the Church’s mission in the modern world. His pastoral service has spanned various roles, including serving as a vicar at the Cathedral of Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus, a parish priest in several communities, and most recently, as the rector of the parish-sanctuary Sainte Famille de Nazareth. His international experience includes pastoral service in Italy, specifically at San Lorenzo Martire in Formello and the Abbey Sanctuary of Montevergine.
Beyond his parish work, Mons. Darius has been deeply involved in the formation of future priests, serving as the rector of the Grande Séminaire Notre Dame de Guessigio-Gagnola from 2014 to 2025. His leadership within the Episcopal Conference of Cote d’Ivoire, particularly in the Commission for Clergy, Seminaries, and Vocational Pastoral Care, further underscores his commitment to the growth and vitality of the Church.
The Diocese of Agboville: A Growing Community of Faith
The Diocese of Agboville, erected in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, is a vibrant community of faith within the Ecclesiastical Province of Abidjan. Covering an area of 11,811 square kilometers, the diocese is home to nearly 800,000 Catholics, representing approximately 66.5 percent of the total population.
Bishop-elect Darius will become the second Local Ordinary of Agboville, succeeding Bishop Alexis Youlo Touabli, who was transferred to the Diocese of San Pedro-en-Côte d’Ivoire in late 2025. His appointment is seen as a providential step in strengthening the Church’s presence and mission in the region, particularly in the areas of social doctrine and priestly formation.
| Diocese Statistics (2023) | Data |
| Catholic Population | 797,580 |
| Total Population | 1,199,460 |
| Percentage Catholic | 66.5% |
| Area | 11,811 sq. km |
Leadership Changes in Guinea
In a related development, the Holy See also announced leadership changes in the Archdiocese of Conakry, Guinea. Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Vincent Coulibaly, who has served the archdiocese since 2003. He is succeeded by Archbishop François Sylla, who has been serving as the Coadjutor Archbishop since 2024.
Archbishop Sylla, like Bishop-elect Darius, is a scholar of the Church, holding a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University. His transition to the leadership of the Archdiocese of Conakry ensures a continuity of mission and service for the Catholic community in Guinea, which represents approximately 3.3 percent of the total population.
A Spiritual Resolution: Turning to the Good Shepherd
As we welcome these new shepherds appointed by the Holy Father, we are reminded of our own call to follow the Good Shepherd with renewed devotion. Let us turn to the Sacrament of Confession, seeking the mercy of God to purify our hearts and strengthen our resolve to live as faithful disciples. Let us spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, placing the new Bishop-elect and the people of Agboville before the Real Presence of Christ, asking for the grace of wisdom and courage for their new journey together.
The Holy Rosary is our constant companion in times of transition; let us pray it daily for the needs of the Church in Ivory Coast and Guinea, asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through active participation in the Holy Mass and the devout reception of the Eucharist, we are united with the universal Church and strengthened to witness to the Gospel in our daily lives. Finally, let us immerse ourselves in Sacred Scripture, finding in the Word of God the inspiration to build a community of faith, hope, and love.
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