IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy of Salesians By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis appealed for the release of all people being held captive in the world’s battle zones, including Salesian Father Thomas Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in Yemen. “I renew my appeal for the liberation of all people kidnapped …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on love and the family invites the church to see the daily struggles of families as an opportunity to encounter people the way Jesus encountered people with mercy throughout his life, Catholic observers said. Because of …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ document on the family reflects an “organic development” of church teaching and doctrine, said Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, theologian and participant in both synods that dealt with the topic. “There are true innovations, but no break” in tradition, …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Sid Hastings By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ hymn to love and family life is more like a country song than a Disney tune. In “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”), Pope Francis’ postsynodal apostolic exhortation on the family, there is passion and devotion, but …

Pope Francis’ latest writings on the family include a strong affirmation of the need to welcome children even in difficult circumstances. He praises large families and adopted families, rejects abortion as “horrendous,” reflects on the errors of “gender ideology,” and advises pastoral care for people with same-sex attraction. “Each child …

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ document on the family reflects an “organic development” of church teaching and doctrine, said Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, theologian and participant in both synods that dealt with the topic. “There are true innovations, but no break” in tradition, the cardinal told reporters during a …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The same mercy and patience that are essential for building a strong family must be shown to those whose families are in trouble or have broken up, Pope Francis said in his highly anticipated postsynodal apostolic exhortation. The document, “‘Amoris …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Anto Akkara By Anto Akkara RAMAPURAM, India (CNS) — The Indian government might have dispelled rumors of the Good Friday crucifixion of kidnapped Salesian Father Thomas Uzhunnalil, but Mathew Uzhunnalil still worries. “I am waiting for clear good news. Until then, I will stay at home,” Mathew Uzhunnalil, …

IMAGE: CNS/ photo/courtesy NASA By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — On the International Space Station there’s a place, while filled with robotic equipment, where astronauts like to hang out. Called the Cupola, the small module has seven large bay windows that give crew members a panoramic view of Earth. On …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Marko Djurica, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an effort to highlight the dramatic situation of refugees left in limbo on the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis and other Christian leaders will meet with the migrants April 16. “Naturally, the pope wants to be …