Articles by Elise Harris
Pope Francis: Corrupt people can never be saints
Feb 8, 2018 / 10:08 amIn his daily homily Thursday Pope Francis drew a distinction between the biblical figures of David and his son Solomon, saying that, like David, sinners who repent are still able to become saints, but the corrupt will not achieve holiness.
Pope Francis voices condolences over deadly Taiwan quake
Feb 7, 2018 / 05:24 amAfter a massive earthquake and a string of aftershocks in Taiwan killed at least seven and injured hundreds more, Pope Francis Wednesday sent a telegram assuring of his prayer for the victims and those engaged in rescue efforts.
Pope tells priests to keep homilies brief: 'no more than 10 minutes!'
Feb 7, 2018 / 04:43 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis touched on a topic close to home for both parish priests and people in the pews, offering his recipe for what makes a good homily, saying they should be short and well-prepared.
In rare letter, Benedict XVI says he's 'on pilgrimage home'
Feb 7, 2018 / 02:18 amIn a rare new letter penned by Benedict XVI, the retired pontiff said he is in the last phase of his life, and while his physical strength might be waning, he is surrounded by a “love and goodness” that he never imagined.
Communist-backed Chinese paper weighs in on possible China-Vatican deal
Feb 6, 2018 / 14:01 pmA Chinese newspaper with close ties to the nation's communist party has added its voice to the discussion of a possible agreement with the Vatican on the appointment of bishops.
Holy See to participate in Olympic opening ceremony, IOC strategy session
Feb 6, 2018 / 13:00 pmA delegation from the Holy See is in South Korea this week to participate in the opening of the Winter Olympic games, and for the first time, to observe a key strategic meeting ahead of opening ceremony.
Pope announces day of prayer, fasting for Congo and South Sudan
Feb 4, 2018 / 04:12 amOn Sunday Pope Francis announced that the first Friday of Lent would be a day of prayer and fasting for peace given the many ongoing conflicts throughout the world, particularly those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
Vatican-China bishops deal is 'imminent', sources say
Feb 3, 2018 / 13:25 pmSeveral sources familiar with a proposed deal between the Chinese government and the Holy See have said the landmark agreement is not only a possibility, but an “imminent” certainty that could come to fruition as early as this spring.
Cardinal Farrell nixes LGBT advocates from Vatican-hosted conference
Feb 2, 2018 / 12:00 pmCardinal Kevin Farrell has reportedly barred several speakers set to address an annual women's event inside the Vatican over concerns about their LGBT positions, prompting organizers to find another venue.
Slain Maltese journalist fought for her convictions, priest says
Feb 2, 2018 / 00:00 amA close friend of slain Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia says the reporter’s life and death is a reminder that “one should have the courage to stand for one's convictions.”
In February prayer video, Pope urges global leaders to resist corruption
Feb 1, 2018 / 10:26 amPope Francis in his latest prayer video places a spotlight on the problem of corruption, saying that it is the root of most societal evils and praying that those in power would be able to resist its allure.
Conference addresses Catholic journalism, fake news, and a 'post-truth' era
Feb 1, 2018 / 00:08 amLast week, hundreds of Catholic media experts from all over the world gathered to discuss the problem of “fake news” and the challenge of reporting in what has been dubbed by some as the “post-truth” era.
Pope taps Scicluna to investigate Barros accusations
Jan 30, 2018 / 07:25 amAfter recently affirming his support for a Chilean bishop accused of covering up sexual abuse, Pope Francis has named a delegate to examine information that, the Vatican said, has since been brought forward.
Pope to Rota: There is an 'urgent' need to form consciences on marriage
Jan 29, 2018 / 11:30 amIn a speech to the Roman Rota Monday, Pope Francis said there is a need to develop better means of forming the consciences of the faithful in the Church, especially those preparing for marriage and family life.
Pope revamps ecclesiastical universities in new apostolic constitution
Jan 29, 2018 / 06:40 amOn Monday Pope Francis released a new apostolic constitution calling for a “radical” reform to the nature and curriculum of ecclesiastical universities and institutions.
Dairy farm to the episcopate: Stockton gets a new bishop
Jan 23, 2018 / 05:06 amOn Tuesday the Vatican announced that Bishop Myron Joseph Cotta, who grew up on a dairy farm and has until now served as auxiliary bishop of Sacramento, has been tapped to take the reins in the Diocese of Stockton.
Pope Francis: Final verdict on Sodalitium founder likely 'unfavorable'
Jan 22, 2018 / 09:01 amOn board the papal flight from Lima to Rome, Pope Francis said a final Vatican verdict on the founder of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, accused of serial sexual and psychological abuse, will soon be available, and likely won't be in the founder’s favor.
Pope in Peru: 'Be the saints of the 21st century'
Jan 21, 2018 / 16:15 pmOn his last day in Peru, Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to imitate Jesus, who embraces the poor and suffering, and brings hope.
Don't 'photoshop' your heart – be who you are, Pope tells young Peruvians
Jan 21, 2018 / 11:56 amOn Sunday Pope Francis told Peruvian youth that Jesus doesn't want disciples who have been “photoshopped” to perfection, but like the great saints of the past, God calls people to follow him with trust and enthusiasm, despite their weaknesses.
Why this man says abortion isn't just a woman's issue
Jan 21, 2018 / 00:00 amA man who lost his own child to abortion believes men have important things to say on the issue, and their voices need to be heard.