Bishop Paul Hinder reminisces on the past 18 years serving the Catholic population in the UAE and GCC. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National and Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia
Bishop Paul Hinder with the pope during his visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019.
Paul Hinder stands with his family after performing his first mass, in Switzerland in 1967
Bishop Paul Hinder, second top left, with his mother, father and three brothers.
Bishop Paul Hinder entering his residences in Abu Dhabi.
Bishop Paul Hinder with the pope during his visit to Abu Dhabi.
A young Bishop Paul Hinder with his mother and brother in Switzerland.
Bishop Paul Hinder performing mass in Abu Dhabi.
Bishop Paul Hinder says the pope's visit was a step forward in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world.
Bishop Paul Hinder walks towards the altar at St Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi.
On December 12, 2003, he was elected Auxiliary Bishop for the Vicariate Apostolic of Arabia by Pope John Paul II and ordained bishop in Abu Dhabi in January the following year.
As he prepares to retire this summer, Bishop Paul Hinder won’t admit to being a celebrated man but is adored by millions in the region.
Bishop Hinder stands beside a handwoven carpet at his residence in Abu Dhabi.
Bishop Hinder never expected to find himself living in the Middle East.
