Tenkodogo: Monsignor David Koudougou took canonical possession this Saturday of the diocese of Tenkodogo, with the motto: 'Eternal life is that they know You, the only true God, and the One You sent, Jesus Christ.'
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Saint Fran§ois-Xavier Cathedral in Tenkodogo hosted the canonical taking possession of the diocese by Monsignor David Koudougou on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The installation ritual was presided over by Cardinal Philippe Ou©draogo and attended by Catholic faithful from across Burkina Faso and beyond. The ceremony also saw participation from a government delegation, the President of the Constitutional Council, Barth©l©my K©r©, and various administrative, customary, religious, military, and paramilitary authorities.
With the guiding motto from John 17:3, Monsignor Koudougou emphasized the importance of knowing God as the path to eternal life. He remarked, "When we look at what is happening around us, we can say that it is because men are ignorant of God. It is to communicate to them life, which is God himself, that we have chosen this motto to guide our pastoral ministry." He urged the diocesan community to pray for peace in Burkina Faso and to remain united with the bishop and all people of God for the Church's mission.
The President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, was represented by Ministers Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo and Adama Luc Sorgho at the ceremony. Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo conveyed the government's solidarity and prayers, expressing hope that Monsignor Koudougou would be a pastor who advocates for social cohesion and peace.
Cardinal Philippe Ou©draogo highlighted the significance of the bishop's role, saying, "God has given a wonderful gift. He gives his people, the Tenkodogo Family Church, a pastor after his own heart. The role of the pastor is to be the unique model, and that model is Jesus Christ. Every bishop must be an icon of Jesus, a mirror that reflects life."
Monsignor David Koudougou succeeds Bishop Prosper Kontiebo, who became Metropolitan Archbishop of Ouagadougou in November 2023. Born on August 1, 1972, in Tenkodogo, Koudougou was ordained a priest on July 14, 2001, and previously served as a diocesan administrator in Tenkodogo.