SW News: Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate of Southern Arabia, Bishop Paul Hinder, has expressed his spiritual support and felicitation to the newly elected president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In a communique dated May 14, Bishop Hinder praised the “leadership and statesmanship” of the president. It was Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who had invited and welcomed Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Bishop Hinder recalled how His Highness led the country through the COVID-19 pandemic. “I also remember with gratitude His Highness’ initiative in helping the less privileged of the less fortunate countries in the world to face the challenges of the pandemic through the aid that the UAE was able to provide,” wrote the bishop.

Congratulating His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as the President of UAE, Bishop Hinder promised his “prayer and spiritual support that he may successfully fulfill his great responsibility towards this nation.”

Former president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, passed away at the age of 73 on May 13 after battling illness for several years.