Articles by Elise Harris
Concern mounts in India over persecution of religious minorities
Dec 19, 2014 / 04:08 amThe rise in attacks by Hindu radicals against members of minority religions in India, primarily Christians and Muslims, is drawing concern across the country, with many calling for more concrete government action.
School massacre incites horror in Pakistani community
Dec 17, 2014 / 12:56 pmAn Australian priest who spent more than 30 years in Pakistan has only one word for the impact of a Pakistani Taliban attack on a military school that left 141 victims, most of whom were children: “horror.”
Pope: Mary and Joseph exemplify mission, vocation of family life
Dec 17, 2014 / 05:06 amPope Francis spoke today about Jesus’ choice to be born into a family, saying that it shows the importance of the vocation, which Mary and Joseph epitomized through their everyday holiness.
Only a repentant heart will receive salvation, Pope Francis says
Dec 16, 2014 / 13:14 pmPope Francis touched on the importance of being humble and open to the Lord's correction, encouraging the faithful to offer him their sins to God in order to be saved.
Final report: Vatican thanks women religious, stresses focus on Christ
Dec 16, 2014 / 09:03 amThe Vatican has published the results of its apostolic visitation examining the quality of religious communities across the U.S. in a report described as realistic yet encouraging.
St. Lucy an example of courage for all who face disabilities, Pope says
Dec 13, 2014 / 09:26 amIn an audience with people who are blind and visually impaired Pope Francis said that St. Lucy’s courage in facing martyrdom can teach them to live their disability without fear or isolation.
Knights donate $2 million to papal charities, Middle East relief
Dec 13, 2014 / 09:13 amThe Knights of Columbus have donated $1.6 million to the Pope’s personal charities, and are giving an additional $400,000 to assist the Holy See’s relief efforts in the Middle East.
Pope pleads with Middle East churches to address crisis together
Dec 13, 2014 / 04:05 amPope Francis addressed the increasing challenges caused by violence in the Middle East with members of the Syriac Catholic Church, urging them to work alongside other churches to find solutions.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, the great missionary who protects her people
Dec 12, 2014 / 13:43 pmPope Francis praised Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday as “a great missionary” who brought the faith to Latin America, as he called on Christians to see her prayers as an introduction to the Beatitudes and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pope: Missing something in your spiritual life? It's probably love
Dec 11, 2014 / 07:40 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis said that God’s love is always expressed in tenderness, and cautioned that if we haven’t experienced this then something is missing in our relationship with the Lord.
Vatican calls online harassment 'violence,' ups efforts to fight it
Dec 11, 2014 / 02:01 amThe Holy See joined efforts with other Catholic organizations in order to raise awareness of the increasing trend of Internet threats, which is one among many current forms of violence against youth.
Family synod gets down to basics of marriage, Pope says
Dec 10, 2014 / 08:26 amIn his weekly general audience Pope Francis started a new catechesis on the family, and explained that discussion surrounding the topic in the synod of bishops is rooted in the fundamental truths of marriage.
The request of a retired pope – simply call me 'Father Benedict'
Dec 9, 2014 / 13:08 pmRather than being called by his papal name “Benedict XVI,” the retired pontiff revealed that since his retirement he has wanted to return to his original priestly title and be called simply “Father Benedict.”
'I'm not worried' about resistance, Pope Francis says in new interview
Dec 7, 2014 / 11:04 amIn an interview with the Argentine daily “La Nacion” published Sunday, Pope Francis spoke on a variety of topics, giving specific attention to the ongoing reform of the Roman Curia, and some of the resistance he’s facing.
'Let yourselves be consoled' during Advent, Pope Francis says
Dec 7, 2014 / 08:04 amIn his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis asked that during Advent the faithful prepare for the Lord’s coming by being open to God’s consolation, which we must receive personally before giving to others.
Advent meditations for Pope delve into meaning of peace
Dec 6, 2014 / 04:01 amPapal preacher Father Raniero Cantalamessa gave his first advent homily to Pope Francis, touching on the biblical meaning of the word peace – both as a gift from God and a longing of the human heart.
Pope: the 'feminine genius' takes on theology's uncharted territory
Dec 5, 2014 / 13:07 pmIn an address given to theologians, Pope Francis praised the increasing presence of women in the field, saying that their femininity has the capacity to delve deeper into the mystery of Christ.
Protect us – One archbishop's plea as Nigeria elections loom
Dec 4, 2014 / 17:01 pmAs Nigeria's general elections draw near, the archbishop of the central city of Jos warned candidates not to put political agendas over people's safety and urged more rapid solutions to Boko Haram violence.
Pope Francis praises the 'hidden holiness' of everyday saints
Dec 4, 2014 / 09:57 amPope Francis cautioned against the false appearances of those who are proud or vain, saying that true holiness is found in the silent, everyday witness of the poor and humble.
Manila declares five-day holiday for Pope Francis' upcoming visit
Dec 3, 2014 / 16:04 pmIn an executive order, the mayor of Manila has declared a five-day, non-working holiday for Pope Francis’ Jan. 15-19 visit – a decision the Philippine government is considering on a national level.