Articles by Elise Harris
Jesus has no 'proxy'– he touches our wounds with his hands, Pope says
Feb 15, 2015 / 09:14 amIn his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis focused on mercy, noting how Jesus heals not by giving lectures, but by going close to those who suffer and curing the “leprosy” of our sin.
Take the red hat, but leave your 'spiritual box' behind, Pope tells cardinals
Feb 15, 2015 / 04:27 amAfter elevating 20 new cardinals, Pope Francis reminded them that true honor is found in service, and urged them to follow Jesus in breaking rigid ways of thinking and touching society’s marginalized.
Ukrainian Catholic bishops urge prayer, fasting ahead of Sunday's ceasefire
Feb 12, 2015 / 17:15 pmThe Ukrainian Catholic bishops in the US issued a letter on Wednesday asking their faithful to pray and fast for peace, a day before a tentative ceasefire in Ukraine was agreed on which would end 10 months of fighting.
Enough talk about talking – Iraqi priest calls for action on ISIS
Feb 12, 2015 / 16:23 pmAn Iraqi priest currently living in Rome said that those living the nightmare of ISIS are tired of hearing talk about dialogue and human rights, and are ready to see concrete action on the part of political leaders.
'Surrounded by children' – Pope Francis’ take on a thriving society
Feb 11, 2015 / 08:04 amIn his general audience address Pope Francis said that children are gift to parents and society, and that there is no future for a civilization which views them as merely an inconvenience.
Vatican: rumor of assassination attempt on Pope Francis 'unreliable'
Feb 11, 2015 / 06:11 amVatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi told journalists Tuesday that rumors circulating about a possible assassination attempt on Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines are unfounded.
The story behind Pope Francis' surprise visit to a Rome shantytown
Feb 10, 2015 / 17:47 pmPope Francis made a surprise stop at a shantytown on his way to celebrate Mass at a Roman parish Feb. 8 – a “secret” plan that only the pontiff knew about and which prompted tears of joy from residents
God isn't found on a computer screen but in restless hearts, Pope says
Feb 10, 2015 / 13:23 pmIn his homily Tuesday, Pope Francis said that Christians must have a certain “restlessness” if they want to know God, who is not found by staring at a computer, but rather by going outside of oneself.
Is priestly celibacy the cause of clerical sex abuse? Not likely, victim says
Feb 7, 2015 / 12:47 pmOne survivor of priestly sexual abuse says that despite a common perception that clerical celibacy can lead to sex abuse of minors, most perpetrators likely had issues before entering the seminary.
Society's dire need for the 'female soul' – Pope Francis speaks to women
Feb 7, 2015 / 10:51 amPope Francis has advocated for the widespread participation of women in all levels of the Church and society, saying that their unique gifts enrich both their families – as well as the public sphere.
Pope Francis backs traditional marriage as Slovakia vote looms
Feb 6, 2015 / 13:41 pmWith Slovaks set to hit the polls on tomorrow's referendum on marriage, Pope Francis used this week's general audience as a chance to encourage voters in defending the sacrament’s traditional definition.
Modern martyrs are massacred by 'corrupt people who hate Jesus'
Feb 6, 2015 / 07:55 amIn his homily on Friday Pope Francis said that he is moved whenever he thinks of the many Christians killed for their faith, and encouraged faithful to remember them and their courageous witness.
Tech-savvy Pope shares laughter, advice with special needs kids
Feb 5, 2015 / 12:05 pmPope Francis virtually joined seven young people with disabilities and special needs in his second Google Hangout as pontiff, sharing jokes, advice and encouragement.
Pope to Church leaders: 'scourge' of minor sex abuse must stop
Feb 5, 2015 / 05:34 amPope Francis has sent a letter to religious superiors and presidents of episcopal conferences, asking for their full cooperation in ending the sexual abuse of minors, and making the Church a safe haven.
The best thing parents can give their children? Wisdom, Pope says
Feb 4, 2015 / 12:02 pmIn his Wednesday general audience, Pope Francis said the role of parents is to teach their children with patience, gentleness, firmness and encouragement.
Pope Francis urges end to scandal of 'fratricidal' violence in Ukraine
Feb 4, 2015 / 07:07 amAs the number of deaths in Ukraine continue to rise amid escalating violence, Pope Francis has called the war “a scandal,” and urged the international community to “make every effort” for peace.
Sunday will be the first International Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking
Feb 3, 2015 / 14:49 pmThe Vatican has organized the first-ever international day of prayer and reflection against human trafficking, in hopes that the world will join forces in putting this “plague” to an end.
The Gospel is more important than soap operas or gossip, Pope says
Feb 3, 2015 / 05:59 amIn his homily Tuesday Pope Francis noted the importance of contemplating scripture, and urged faithful to read the Gospel for 10-15 minutes a day, rather than watching soap operas or exchanging gossip.
Pope: the Gospel doesn’t oppress, but frees those enslaved to evil
Feb 1, 2015 / 09:33 amIn his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis pointed to the authority with which Jesus preached, saying that his words in the Gospel aren’t aimed to limit, but rather liberate us from evil and worldly spirits.
Pope Francis announces June visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina
Feb 1, 2015 / 04:11 amDuring his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis announced he will visit the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo in June, where WWI broke out in 1914 with the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand.