The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of Bishop Sama of the Diocese of Nouna in Burkina Faso and named Reverend Guy Mukasa Sanon as the new bishop of the Diocese.
In a statement released by the Vatican Press Office on January 25, 2025, it was confirmed that the
Reverend Sanon, who is currently the rector of the Saint Pierre-Saint Paul Seminary in Kossoghin, Ouagadougou, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His appointment marks the continuation of his long and distinguished service within the Church in Burkina Faso.
The statement notes that Reverend Sanon was born on 14 September 1968 in Toussiana, Burkina Faso. He undertook his philosophical studies at the Saint Jean Baptiste de Wayalghin Major Seminary in Ouagadougou before completing his theological training at the Saint Pierre Claver de Koumi Major Seminary in Bobo-Dioulasso.
After his ordination on 14 July 1996, Reverend Sanon was incardinated in the Archdiocese of Bobo-Dioulasso. His early ministry included roles as a parish vicar at Saint Vincent de Koko in Bobo-Dioulasso, and later as formator and director of studies at the Minor Seminary of Nasso.
The Vatican statement further highlights his academic achievements, including a doctorate in philosophy from the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium, awarded between 2005 and 2010. Reverend Sanon’s commitment to theological education continued as he served as a parish vicar and later parish priest at the Cathedral of Bobo-Dioulasso, alongside his duties as a visiting professor and permanent formator at the Saint Pierre-Saint Paul Major Seminary in Ouagadougou.
Since 2019, he has been the rector of the seminary, a role in which he has contributed significantly to the formation of future priests in the region.
The Vatican Press Office stated, “The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Guy Mukasa Sanon, of the clergy of Bobo-Dioulasso, until now rector of the Saint Pierre-Saint Paul Seminary of Kossoghin, Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso, as bishop of the diocese of Nouna.”