Articles by Elise Harris
Pope Francis: We are God's children, not his slaves
Jun 20, 2018 / 03:08 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis said the ten commandments are not heartless rules imposed on mankind by an oppressive God, but are rather words given by a father to his children in order to protect them from harm.
Questions on sexuality loom large ahead of youth synod
Jun 19, 2018 / 03:02 amAccording to the official working document for the upcoming synod of bishops on youth, the major questions for young people ahead of the October discussion surround issues of sexuality and gender, the role of women and the desire for a Church that knows how to listen.
Pope Francis: God works in mysterious ways – trust him
Jun 17, 2018 / 02:14 amOn Sunday Pope Francis compared the action of grace to the growth of seeds planted in a garden, saying God often works in ways that are both unknown and surprising, but which always bring fruit, and because of this it is important to always trust and never lose faith.
Pope says abortion of sick, disabled children reflects Nazi mentality
Jun 16, 2018 / 07:02 amIn a speech to a family association Saturday, Pope Francis again stressed that God's vision of the family is between a man and a woman, and compared the abortion of children who are sick or disabled to a Nazi mentality.
Papal investigators meet with laity, priests and religious of Osorno
Jun 15, 2018 / 13:51 pmAs part of their special mission to help bring healing to the troubled Chilean diocese of Osorno, Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu are holding several pastoral meetings this week which they say are aimed at listening.
Pope Francis says exploiting women is a 'sin against God'
Jun 15, 2018 / 06:09 amIn his daily homily Friday, Pope Francis issued a scathing critique of the ways in which women are often exploited and mistreated - whether it be through a revealing television ad, or when getting a job is contingent on sexual favors.
Stolen copy of 1493 Columbus letter returns to the Vatican
Jun 14, 2018 / 09:27 amAfter spending more than a decade in a private collection in Atlanta, a copy of a 1493 letter written by Christopher Columbus about his experience in America has been returned to its rightful place in the Vatican library.
Pope urges 'examination of conscience' on treatment of the poor
Jun 14, 2018 / 04:52 amIn his message for this year's World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis challenged Catholics on their attitude toward the impoverished, asking whether they really listen to and love the needy, or engage in charity only to please themselves.
Papal advisors finish first draft of new constitution on the Roman Curia
Jun 13, 2018 / 06:22 amIn their latest round of meetings, Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals has finished and approved the first draft of what will be a new apostolic constitution outlining the role and functions of the Roman Curia.
Pope taps Lansing priest as new bishop for Salina diocese
Jun 13, 2018 / 04:27 amThe Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope Francis has named Michigan-native Msgr. Gerald Vincke as the new bishop of the Diocese of Salina, Kan., pulling him from several roles in the Diocese of Lansing, Mich.
What is the biggest threat young people face? Mediocrity, Pope says
Jun 13, 2018 / 02:02 amPope Francis said Wednesday that the greatest danger modern youth face is not the array of problems that surround them, but rather, the temptation to mediocrity – preferring to stay immobile rather than making a leap toward the next step.
In Osorno, Pope's investigators offer legal advice on responding to abuse
Jun 12, 2018 / 15:02 pmThe archbishop tasked with investigating the Chilean clerical abuse crisis said the main objective of his visit to the diocese of Osorno is not only to express Pope Francis' closeness to the local Church, but to help provide the legal structures needed to handle abuse accusations.
Pope accepts resignation of Juan Barros, bishop at the center of Chilean abuse scandal
Jun 11, 2018 / 03:00 amThe Vatican announced Monday that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Juan Barros Madrid from his post in the diocese of Osorno, after being accused of covering-up for Chile's most notorious abuser priest, Fernando Karadima.
Pan-Amazonian synod doc leaves door open to married priests proposal
Jun 8, 2018 / 09:40 amA preparatory document for next year's Pan-Amazonian synod was released Friday, indicating that key themes for the meeting will be the role of women in the Church, the rights and traditions of indigenous people, and efforts to find “new ways” to provide greater access to the Eucharist.
Washington, Rockville Centre dioceses get new auxiliary bishops
Jun 8, 2018 / 07:37 amThe Vatican Friday announced that Pope Francis has appointed two new auxiliary bishops for the United States, one of whom will serve the Archdiocese of Washington and one the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Pope Francis sends liberation theologian Gustavo Gutierrez a birthday greeting
Jun 7, 2018 / 09:30 amPope Francis has sent a birthday greeting to Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez, widely considered the father of liberation theology, thanking him for his service to the Church and his dedication to the poor.
Global campaign urges greater involvement to help migrants, refugees
Jun 7, 2018 / 09:10 amOrganizers of the international “Share the Journey” campaign are urging Catholics to step up and interact with migrants and refugees through shared meals or other activities as part of a global action week.
Update: Vatican investigators will arrive in Chile next week
Jun 6, 2018 / 10:39 amThe Vatican announced Thursday that to help with the process of healing in Chile, Pope Francis will send Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu to the Diocese of Osorno, and will issue a pastoral letter on the nation's abuse crisis.
Pope focuses on social media use in June prayer video
Jun 6, 2018 / 10:02 amIn his prayer video for June, Pope Francis asked that digital communications and social media platforms would be a place of inclusion and encounter, rather than isolation and “alienation.”
Pope Francis: The Church is not just the bishops – it's everyone
Jun 6, 2018 / 03:19 amPope Francis Wednesday said that the sacrament of Confirmation is a gift meant to be shared with other people, both inside and outside of the Church, which he stressed is not only the hierarchy, but is made up of all baptized faithful.