Catholic Priest Believed Still Alive, Hostage to Terrorists in Yemen

A Catholic priest held hostage by Islamic extremists in Yemen is believed to still be alive, according to the latest report from his bishop.

The Vatican's news agency reports efforts have been ongoing to secure the release of Indian priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil. 

"The last words, which are quite reassuring, I received indirectly about 10 days ago," said Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia.

"I was told that Father Tom is alive, and that his return to freedom could be imminent. But since then nothing has happened. We hope and pray for him," he continued.

Several Christian media outlets had erroneously reported that Father Tom Uzhunnalil had been crucified on Good Friday, but CBN News did not report those rumors. 

Last month, the Indian government acknowledged it had received a ransom video that showed the kidnapped priest alive, according to India's IBB-CNN News.

Father Tom was taken captive in early March by Islamic extremists who attacked a Catholic retirement home in South Yemen.

They killed 16 people in that attack, including four nuns.