The elections took place during the bishops’ 143rd ordinary session, held from 12 to 16 October 2026 at the Mgr Bakpessi Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kara.
Bishop Longa succeeds Bishop Benoît Alowonou, whom the bishops thanked for his service as president and wished a well-deserved and peaceful retirement.
In a statement issued at the end of the session on 16 October, the Conference of Bishops of Togo (CET) said the bishops had unanimously acknowledged Bishop Alowonou’s service as the head of the conference.
The bishops also wished the newly elected leaders a fruitful mission in service to the Church and assured them of their prayers.
The session also marked the first participation of Bishop Edmond Yawo Amekuse, the new Bishop of Kpalimé, in the conference’s deliberations.
Pending a reorganisation of pastoral responsibilities within the CET, Bishop Amekuse will oversee the clergy, seminaries and consecrated life. These responsibilities were previously held by Bishop Alowonou.
The bishops also reviewed the work of the country’s three major seminaries: St John Paul II Seminary in Lomé, Benedict XVI Seminary in Tchitchao and St Paul Seminary in Notsè. Their rectors and bursars presented financial reports and projected budgets for the formation houses.
Beyond Church leadership matters, the bishops called on Catholics across Togo to pray for peace and security in the country.
In their statement, they invited all parishes and groups to observe a Rosary novena from 23 to 31 October 2026, incorporating the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries.
The bishops also encouraged young Catholics to strengthen their Christian and civic commitment following the first National Youth Days, held in Atakpamé from 30 July to 2 August 2026. The event attracted approximately 3,500 young people, according to the statement.
Profile Bishop Jacques Danka Longa
Bishop Jacques Danka Longa was born on July 26, 1961. He was ordained a priest on January 25, 1992. After his ordination, he was appointed parish vicar at the parish of the Glorious Cross of Kétao from 1992 to 1995.
From 1995 to 1997, he served as spiritual director and professor at the Saint-Paul interdiocesan propaedeutic seminary in Notsé, in the diocese of Kpalimé.
From 1997 to 2001, he pursued his studies at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, where he earned a license in canon law. From 2002 to 2003, he served as parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima in Niamtougou and director of the Catholic Polytechnic Institute of Niamtougou. In 2003, he was appointed rector of the John Paul II Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Lomé.
He was ordained bishop on July 26, 2008, and served as Coadjutor Bishop of Kara from April 23, 2008 to January 7, 2009.
Since January 7, 2009, he has been Bishop of the Diocese of Kara.
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