Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou

Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou (born 5 March 1949), is a Togolese Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kpalimé, in Togo from 4 July 2001 until his retirement on 26 June 2026. Before that, from 28 July 1984 until 4 July 2001, he served as a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lomé, Togo. Pope John Paul II appointed him bishop. He received his episcopal consecration at Kpalimé on 29 September 2001 by the hands of Philippe Fanoko Kossi Kpodzro, Archbishop of Lomé. On 26 June 2026, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation from the administration of the Catholic Diocese of Kpalimé, Togo, submitted by Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou. That same day, The Holy Father appointed Edmond Yawo Amekuse to succeed at Kpalimé.

Early life and education Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou was born on 5 March 1949 at Tsévié, Maritime Region, Togo. He completed his primary and secondary education near his home area. In 1978, he entered the "Saint Gall" Major Seminary in Quidah, Benin. From 1996 until 2000, he studied in Metz, France, graduating with a degree in Pastoral Theology.

Priest He was ordained a priest on 28 July 1984 and was incardinated in the Archdiocese of Lome. He served as a priest until 4 July 2001.

While a priest, he served in various roles and locations, including: He serves as the president of the Episcopal Conference of Togo since 2012.

On 26 June 2026, Pope Leo XIV accepted the age-related retirement request submitted by Bishop Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou from the pastoral administration of the Catholic Diocese of Kpalimé, Togo. That same day, The Holy Father appointed Edmond Yawo Amekuse, to succeed at Kpalimé.