Pope appoints vicar for Southern Arabia
Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, has appointed Bishop Paolo Martinelli as the new Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, following the resignation of Bishop Paul Hinder.
Southern Arabia is a territorial jurisdiction of the Catholic Church covering the UAE, Oman and Yemen.
Monsignor Kryspin Dubiel, charge d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in the UAE, said Hinder resigned upon reaching his retirement age. He pointed out that until Martinelli takes charge, Hinder will continue as the apostolic administrator of the vicariate.
Hinder, who has led the vicariate since 2004, welcomed appointment of Martinelli, the current auxiliary bishop of Milan in Italy.
“Bishop Martinelli is well known to me as an outstanding Franciscan Capuchin brother and priest. I am sure that our vicariate will grow further under his pastoral guidance,” he said.
Over the years, Hinder worked for the betterment of the Catholic community and developed good relations with the local authorities.
The highlight of his term came in 2019 with the pope’s historic visit to the Arabian Peninsula. Hinder termed the three-day visit of Pope Francis to the UAE a “historic moment”.
Then, the Human Fraternity Document was signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Last year, while marking the first UN International Day of Human Fraternity, Hinder said: “We are co-responsible for what happens tomorrow…i feel it is necessary for us to take the small yet necessary steps: starting with being friendly, open, welcoming to each other, solving small local problems together… though the real and lasting fruits may only be enjoyed by the generations to come.”
Hinder, who turned 80 last month, urged the faithful to shower Martinelli with the “same love and support” he experienced for the last 18 years.
“Pray for the new bishop and pray also for me.”
Hinder added that 64-yearold Martinelli would assume office in the coming months.“the date of his installation will be communicated shortly.”
The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia serves approximately one million Catholics and has its seat in Abu Dhabi.