Jean-Pierre Kutwa

Stored: Jean-Pierre Kutwa

His Eminence Jean-Pierre Kutwa
Bishop of College of Cardinals
Home diocese:	Archdiocese of Abidjan
Other diocese 1:	Archdiocese of Gagnoa
Other diocese 2:	Diocese of Man
Other diocese 3:
Ordination:	11 July 1971 by Archbishop Bernard Yago
Consecration:	16 September 2001 by Cardinal Bernard Agré
Rank:	Cardinal
Created cardinal:	22 February 2014 by Pope Francis
Personal details
Born:	Jean-Pierre Kutwa 22 December 1945 Blockhauss, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Died:
Nationality:	Ivory Coast
Education:	Pontifical Urban University
Motto:	"Fais-moi Vivre par ta Parole"
Role:	Emeritus
Theology:	Moderate
Region:	West Africa
Rite:	Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility:	Eligible

Cardinal Jean-Pierre Kutwa, born (1945-12-22) December 22, 1945, is an Ivorian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop Emeritus of Abidjan (2006–2024) and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014. Ordained a priest in 1971 for the Archdiocese of Abidjan and consecrated a bishop in 2001, he served as Bishop of Man (1997–2001) and Archbishop of Gagnoa (2001–2006). His moderate theology, reflected in his motto "Fais-moi Vivre par ta Parole" ("Make Me Live by Your Word"), emphasizes ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, and peacebuilding, notably during Ivory Coast’s 2010–2011 civil crisis, earning him praise for fostering reconciliation. Kutwa participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. At age 79 on April 21, 2025, following Francis’ death, he is ineligible for the 2025 conclave, set to begin May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel, as he turns 80 on December 22, 2025, before the conclave’s expected conclusion, per Universi Dominici gregis, which limits electors to those under 80 on the date the Holy See becomes vacant.

Kutwa’s leadership in Abidjan promoted Muslim-Christian dialogue and post-conflict healing, as highlighted in X posts praising his ecumenical efforts and moral authority. His 2024 retirement, quoted in a January 2025 X post urging leaders to “make way for the young,” reflected his humility, though he remains active in consistories. His academic background from the Pontifical Urban University shaped his pastoral approach. Despite ineligibility, Kutwa’s African perspective may influence general congregations before the conclave, though his age, regional focus, and lack of curial prominence preclude papal candidacy, with frontrunners like Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle favored.

Biography

Birth and early life

Jean-Pierre Kutwa was born on December 22, 1945, in Blockhauss, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to a Catholic family in a colonial urban center. Raised during Ivory Coast’s pre-independence era, his vocation was inspired by the Church’s role in education and community, leading him to enter the Grand Séminaire d’Anyama at age 16. His family’s faith and Ivory Coast’s multi-religious context shaped his commitment to dialogue.

The Second Vatican Council’s (1962–1965) call for ecumenism influenced Kutwa’s moderate theology. Fluent in French, Baoulé, and Latin, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his pastoral career.

Education

Kutwa studied philosophy and theology at the Grand Séminaire d’Anyama and the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, earning a licentiate in theology in 1971. He pursued further pastoral studies in Abidjan, focusing on interreligious dialogue and social reconciliation.

His education emphasized Vatican II’s ecumenical and social teachings, equipping him for Ivory Coast’s diverse religious landscape. Kutwa’s academic rigor prepared him for episcopal roles.

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on July 11, 1971, by Archbishop Bernard Yago for the Archdiocese of Abidjan, Kutwa served as a parish priest, vicar general, and professor of moral theology at the Grand Séminaire d’Anyama (1971–1997). He was a key figure in fostering catechesis during Ivory Coast’s ethnic tensions.

His priesthood emphasized reconciliation and dialogue, laying the groundwork for his peacebuilding efforts. Kutwa’s leadership earned him episcopal appointment.

Bishop

Appointed Bishop of Man in 1997, Kutwa was consecrated on September 16, 2001, by Cardinal Bernard Agré. He served as Archbishop of Gagnoa (2001–2006) and Archbishop of Abidjan (2006–2024). Elevated to cardinal in 2014 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Sant’Emerenziana a Tor Fiorenza, he participated in the 2013 conclave.

Kutwa’s tenure in Abidjan focused on ecumenism and peacebuilding during the 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis, promoting Muslim-Christian dialogue. Retiring in 2024, he urged leaders to “make way for the young,” reflecting humility. Ineligible for the 2025 conclave at age 79, turning 80 on December 22, 2025, he may influence general congregations with his African perspective.

Diocese	Role	Start Date	End Date	Notes
Diocese of Man	Bishop	16 September 2001	15 May 2001	Strengthened catechesis
Archdiocese of Gagnoa	Archbishop	15 May 2001	2 May 2006	Promoted reconciliation
Archdiocese of Abidjan	Archbishop	2 May 2006	3 April 2024	Fostered ecumenism

Significant events

• Entered Grand Séminaire d’Anyama in 1961.
• Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Abidjan in 1971.
• Appointed Bishop of Man in 1997.
• Consecrated Bishop of Man in 2001.
• Appointed Archbishop of Gagnoa in 2001.
• Appointed Archbishop of Abidjan in 2006.
• Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014.
• Promoted peace during 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis.
• Participated in the 2013 conclave.
• Retired as Archbishop of Abidjan in 2024.
• Confirmed ineligible for the 2025 conclave.

Books

Written about the bishop

• No known books specifically about Cardinal Kutwa.

Written by the bishop

• No known books authored by Cardinal Kutwa.

External links

• Jean-Pierre Cardinal Kutwa at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
• Biography of Cardinal Jean-Pierre Kutwa at Vatican Press Office
• Vatican News article on Kutwa’s appointment
• Cardinal Electors for 2025 Conclave at College of Cardinals Report