Pope Francis issued a "pressing appeal" at the Angelus for the release of Fr Paolo Dall'Oglio, kidnapped two years ago in Syria (full text, full video). Chinese authorities have officially recognised a qualification issued by the national Catholic seminary. The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, has held "historic talks" with gay Catholics. The Pope has offered his "heartfelt condolences" following the death of Cardinal William Baum (video). Jason Berry argues that Francis is "rebuilding a tradition of the pope as moral statesman on the global stage" (video). Fr Dwight Longenecker wonders why "many Catholics seem to have forgotten purgatory". And Rome Reports introduces the rappers raising awareness of the plight of persecuted Christians. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day. The next Morning Catholic must-reads will be on Wednesday, August 12.