A Cross, Other Elements on Ivorian Cardinal-Designate’s Coat of Arms and Motto Explained

From this cross flows living water, which Archbishop Dogbo described as “a powerful image of the grace and new life Christ offers his disciples.”

“The living water that flows from the cross embodies an inexhaustible source of blessings and spiritual renewal,” he said.

The sheep on the coat of arms refer to the northern region of Ivory Coast, where livestock farming plays a major role in the local economy. 

The Archbishop described sheep as docile, peaceful animals that he said symbolize the faithful, called to follow their shepherd in total trust. “The shepherd guides his flock towards living water, the source of life and salvation,” he said.

His motto “All Things to All” he said “is an invitation to universality and unity. It calls for openness, listening, and closeness to every person, whatever their social, cultural or spiritual background.”

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Aged 62, Archbishop Dogbo was ordained a Priest of Ivory Coast’s Yopougon Catholic Diocese in August 1987. As a Priest, he served in various positions, among them Parish Priest of Saint Andrew of Yopougon Diocese and Vicar General of the same Diocese.

The holder of licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Rome-based Pontifical Biblical Institute was Consecrated Bishop in July 2004.

He served as the Apostolic Administrator of Korhogo from 2017 to January 2021 when he was appointed Local Ordinary of the same Ivorian Episcopal See.

Archbishop Dogbo was elected President of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast (CECCI) in May 2017 during the 107th Plenary Assembly of the West African nation that took place in Kodjoboué (Bonoua) in the Ivorian Catholic Diocese of Grand-Bassam.

As CECCI President, Bishop Dogbo advocated for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in Ivory Coast before, during, and after the 31 October 2020 presidential election.

He was appointed Archbishop of Abidjan on May 20 this year and installed on August 3.