Bishop Paul Hinder Honoured at Thanksgiving Mass in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for His Service to Catholic Communities in the Gulf

Bishop Paul Hinder was honoured at a Thanksgiving Mass in Abu Dhabi on 25 October 2026, as the faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia gathered to express gratitude for his decades of service to the Catholic Church in the Gulf. The celebration marked his final chapter in the region as he prepares to return to Switzerland.

The faithful expressed deep affection and gratitude for the Swiss Capuchin bishop’s pastoral work, which accompanied Catholic communities across the Arabian Peninsula through years of growth, change and challenges. His ministry was characterized by a commitment to nurturing faith and supporting parish communities, particularly among migrant workers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

In his final remarks, Bishop Hinder reflected on his ministry with a simple yet profound statement: “All is grace.” He acknowledged the grace of serving in the Gulf, recalling how he had witnessed the Lord at work in the region, even in its darkest hours. He invited the faithful to accompany him on his continuing journey of faith, assuring them of his spiritual unity with the community.

Born in Bussnang, Switzerland, on 22 April 1942, Bishop Hinder joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in 1962 and was ordained a priest on 4 July 1967. He pursued further studies in canon law and theology before serving in priestly formation and leadership within the Capuchin Order.

His episcopal ministry in Arabia began in 2004, when he was ordained an auxiliary bishop. In March 2005, he became Apostolic Vicar of Arabia, overseeing Catholic communities across the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Following the division of the vicariate in 2011, he was appointed Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, responsible for the Church in the UAE, Oman and Yemen.

During his years of service, Bishop Hinder ministered to a diverse Catholic population, much of it comprising migrant workers from different countries and cultures. His ministry involved nurturing faith, supporting parish communities and helping the Church respond to the spiritual needs of people living far from their homelands. He also served as Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia from 2020, during a period of transition for the Church in the region.

Pope Francis accepted his resignation in May 2022 and appointed Capuchin Bishop Paolo Martinelli as his successor in Southern Arabia. The Thanksgiving celebration also marked the launch of Bishop Hinder’s new autobiography, *A Journey of Grace: The Life and Ministry of Bishop Paul Hinder*, offering an opportunity to reflect on his vocation and episcopal ministry.

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