Statement of Bishop Paul Hinder

Communiqué

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it gives me great joy to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis, in view of the pastoral care of the  Catholic faithful residing in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen, has appointed His Excellency Msgr. Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap., currently Auxiliary Bishop of Milan, to succeed me as the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. Bishop Martinelli is well known to me as an outstanding Franciscan Capuchin brother and priest. Born in 1958 in Milan, he made his profession as Capuchin in 1980, and was ordained priest in 1985. From 1992 until now, he has taught spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University and at the Pontifical University of Antonianum in Rome. In May 2014, Pope Francis appointed Father Paolo Martinelli as auxiliary bishop of Milan.

I am sure that our Vicariate will grow further under his pastoral guidance. Bishop Paolo Martinelli will assume office as Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia during the coming months, the date of his installation will be communicated shortly. Until Bishop Paolo will take possession of the seat in Abu Dhabi, the Holy Father has asked me to continue as the administrator of the Vicariate. 

Dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to receive Msgr. Paolo Martinelli with the same love and support that I experienced from all of you for the last 18 years.

Pray for the new bishop and pray also for me!