Diplomatic relations: The First Lady takes part in the Feast of the Holy Father

First Lady Dominique Ouattara took part in the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on Thursday August 1, 2024, at the Apostolic Nunciature in Cocody.

The ceremony witnessed the participation of several eminent figures from the Catholic clergy, including Bishop Mauricio Rueda Beltz, Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Abidjan, and many others.

This celebration was an opportunity to pay a vibrant tribute to the Sovereign Pontiff and to celebrate the excellence of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Côte d’Ivoire. Mr. Adom Kacou, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, noted the excellent diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Côte d’Ivoire.

For the latter, these relations now go back almost 50 years. He recalled the visits of Pope John Paul 2 to Côte d’Ivoire and many other Apostolic figures. He also recalled President Alassane Ouattara’s visit to the Holy See at the head of an important delegation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also paid a heartfelt tribute to Bishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Abidjan, who is retiring as bishop after fifty years of service to the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Mauricio Rueda Beltz, Apostolic Nuncio, spoke of the excellent diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Vatican. The Apostolic Nuncio also thanked the First Lady for her commitment to the well-being of the underprivileged.

Bishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Abidjan, thanked Pope Francis for his trust and friendship.

The ceremony ended with a cocktail reception.