Articles by Elise Harris
Pope Francis prays for more fruitful dialogue after trip to Turkey
Dec 3, 2014 / 05:35 amIn his weekly general audience Pope Francis recalled the activities of his recent trip to Turkey, and prayed that the visit would lead to a more fruitful ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.
Pope Francis speaks up on synod process – 'it isn't over'
Nov 30, 2014 / 17:57 pmIn keeping with his usual tradition on papal trips, Pope Francis held an in-flight press conference on his way back to Rome, in which he opened up about the debate surrounding last month’s Synod of Bishops.
Patriarch to Francis: 'You preach with words, but above all with love'
Nov 30, 2014 / 06:52 amHead of the Eastern Orthodox Church Patriarch Bartholomew I lauded the humble manner in which Pope Francis exercises his Petrine ministry, and urged their churches to focus on the future of dialogue.
Second joint declaration signals new step in path toward unity
Nov 30, 2014 / 03:44 amIn the second joint declaration they have signed since May, Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew reaffirmed their shared desire for full Christian unity, as well as their concerns for the Middle East.
A kiss of peace: Pope Francis receives symbolic gesture from patriarch
Nov 29, 2014 / 13:31 pmIn a fraternal gesture Pope Francis asked for the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, who marked a historic moment in ecumenical dialogue by kissing the head of the Bishop of Rome.
Patriarch prays for full union between Catholic, Orthodox churches
Nov 29, 2014 / 10:20 amIn a prayer gathering on the second day of Pope Francis' visit to Turkey, Patriarch Bartholomew I welcomed him with joy, saying his presence is a symbolic “bridging” of the East and West.
Pope Francis' prayer at Blue Mosque 'exactly the same' as Benedict XVI
Nov 29, 2014 / 06:04 amDuring Pope Francis’ visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, he paused for a moment of prayer alongside Ankara’s Grand Mufti – a moment of “interreligious dialogue” which mirrored that of his predecessor.
Young Syrian refugee tells Pope, 'pray for us and pray for peace'
Nov 28, 2014 / 11:39 amCurrently a living as a refugee at a Salesian school in Istanbul, 14-year-old Sarah will give Pope Francis a picture that she painted, and says that she will ask him to pray for world peace.
Pope to Turkish authorities: religious freedom a key factor for peace
Nov 28, 2014 / 07:21 amPope Francis spoke to Turkish authorities on Friday of the need to create a lasting peace – one based on a fraternal solidarity which respects human dignity and man’s essential right to religious freedom.
Pope: don't be depressed – despite our ugly reality, we have hope
Nov 27, 2014 / 09:23 amIn his homily on Thursday Pope Francis said that although sin and corruption often seem to win out over good, Jesus gives us a promise of hope which enables us to keep “our heads held high.”
Pope's Philly trip could be a turning point on US marriage front
Nov 26, 2014 / 17:02 pmLegal expert Alan Sears said that the push for marriage redefinition in the U.S. has provided a platform for the issue at large and that Pope Francis' visit in 2015 could mark a shift in the contentious debate.
The Church isn’t static – she’s a pilgrim on a journey, Pope says
Nov 26, 2014 / 05:20 amPope Francis in his weekly general audience said that the Church on earth is on a pilgrimage to heaven guided by the Lord, who will lead us to the fullness of joy and truth at the end of time.
Is dialogue with terrorists a lost cause? Pope Francis says no
Nov 25, 2014 / 10:02 amSpeaking to journalists in-flight on his way back from Strasbourg, Pope Francis touched on dialogue with extremist terrorists – saying that although it's difficult, the door is never completely closed.
Pope tells 'haggard' Europe that human dignity is key to renewal
Nov 25, 2014 / 05:39 amPope Francis’ address to the European Parliament touched on a variety of issues, all of which, he said, ought to promote the “centrality” of the human person so that a true cultural renewal can be attained.
Indian Catholics find spiritual inspiration in two new saints
Nov 22, 2014 / 17:25 pmTwo new Indian Catholic saints to be canonized by Pope Francis on Sunday were known for their deep spiritual life and their intercession in helping families, say two Catholics who find deep inspiration in their sanctity.
Pope: break down the stigma burdening those with autism
Nov 22, 2014 / 11:36 amPope Francis has said autistic disorders are nothing to be ashamed of, as he encouraged everyone to build solidarity to ensure that autistic persons are not isolated.
'Backbiting' communities don’t help evangelization – unity does
Nov 22, 2014 / 01:16 amPope Francis said that divisions among Christians are a stumbling block to evangelization, and encouraged members of the Church to go beyond personal opinions and find value in what others offer.
Pope Francis: Turning churches into 'businesses' is a scandal
Nov 21, 2014 / 10:33 amPope Francis condemned priests and laity who turn their parishes into a “business” by charging for things such as baptisms, blessings and Mass intentions – calling it a scandal that's hard to forgive.
US cardinal to the undocumented: you can 'come out of the shadows'
Nov 21, 2014 / 10:15 amThe vice president of the U.S. bishops’ conference has said that charitable immigration reform must address the needs of both legal and illegal immigrants, encouraging the latter to come forward and receive help.
What's the biggest threat to Asia? Atheism, this cardinal says
Nov 21, 2014 / 02:02 amHong Kong's retired prelate Cardinal Joseph Zen said that amid decades of communist rule in China, human values are at stake in all of Asia and can only be salvaged by fervidly preaching the gospel.