A breakthrough in medical science is getting support from the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican is welcoming the advancements made with embryonic stem cell research that allow stem cells to be extracted from amniotic fluids without hurting the unborn embryo. The issue continues to fuel heated debate in the United States regarding federal funding of such projects. Bishop J. George Lucas of the Springfield Diocese, which includes Decatur, is following the Vatican’s lead on the sanctity of life by writing a letter in the Catholic Times that will be released this weekend.