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The current President of RECOWA-CERAO, an umbrella body of all the Catholic bishops in the West African subregion has convincingly exclaimed referring to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, “Your pontificate is a source of inspiration for millions”. This message was contained in the goodwill message sent by this great Ivorian Catholic Bishop representing the onerous intention of all the Catholic Bishops on the West African side of the divide to Pope Francis on his 88th Birthday

The Correspondent of RECOWACEAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA attached strictly to the office of the president has written that Bishop Alexis Touably Youlo of the Catholic Diocese of Agboville in Ivory Coast has praised Pope Francis’ leadership as positively impacting millions of people across the globe.

In his goodwill message to the Holy Father on his 88th birthday on December 17, Bishop Touably reflected on Pope Francis’ commitment to peace, social justice, and care for the vulnerable. He vehemently asserted,

“On this December 17, your birthday, I wish to extend, on behalf of the entire Christian community of the Diocese of Agboville, our warmest and most heartfelt wishes,” the Local Ordinary of Agboville who doubles as President of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) says.

He adds, “Your commitment to peace, social justice, and the protection of our planet testifies to your deep compassion and your dedication to the Church and humanity.”

“Your pontificate is a source of inspiration for millions of faithful around the world. You remind us each day of the importance of living our faith authentically and of opening our hearts to the most vulnerable,” the Ivorian Catholic Bishop says.

He thanks the Holy Father for his “special attention to local churches and for the love you show in every corner of the world.”

At 88, the Holy Father has become one of the oldest-serving Popes in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.

Pope Francis continued his message at the inaugural World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which he instituted in 2021 when he said, “There is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel.”

In his goodwill message to Pope Francis on his 88th birthday, Bishop Touably thanks the Holy Father for his attention to local churches worldwide and his example of “simplicity” and closeness to the people of God worldwide.

“Your example of simplicity and closeness inspires us to deepen our faith and strengthen our commitment to serving others,” he says.

The Catholic Church leader assures Pope Francis of the prayers of the people of God under his pastoral care, saying, “On this special day, we pray for you, so that the Lord may grant you the strength, wisdom, and health necessary to continue your mission.”

He implores, “May the Holy Spirit guide your decisions and illuminate the path you are charting for the Church. May this new birthday be an occasion for renewal and joy in your apostolic mission.”

For years, Pope Francis has avoided formal celebrations on his birthday, choosing instead to spend time with Rome’s poor and underprivileged.

In 2016, for his 80th birthday, Pope Francis had breakfast with homeless people from around the Vatican at his residence of Casa Santa Marta.

On his 86th birthday in 2022, the Holy Father presented an award to three individuals for their charitable work.

Last year, Pope Francis celebrated his 87th birthday with children and families, who are assisted by the Vatican’s Santa Marta Paediatric Dispensary.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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