Articles by Elise Harris
Few topics are more manipulated than hunger, Pope tells UN
Nov 20, 2014 / 12:49 pmPope Francis on Thursday condemned the excessive consumption and misuse of food, saying that often the statistics surrounding the topic of hunger are twisted for the sake of national security.
Pope: Jesus weeps for those who prefer comfort over conversion
Nov 20, 2014 / 05:44 amIn his homily on Thursday Pope Francis said that the Gospel scene in which Jesus wept for Jerusalem’s closed heart is repeated today with those in the Church who are afraid to let him work in their lives.
Beyond religious differences: Interfaith leaders unite on marriage
Nov 19, 2014 / 18:02 pmLeaders from various faith traditions around the globe are backing the union of a man and woman as an inherently complementary human reality that transcends even the difference of religion.
Jerusalem victims had a name, a family, a story, priest recalls
Nov 19, 2014 / 16:31 pmFor one Jerusalem priest, the “horrific” killings at a Jerusalem synagogue show the need to humanize the victims of violence, in order to advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy City.
Thinking of yourself won’t make you holy, but serving others will, Pope says
Nov 19, 2014 / 07:29 amIn his weekly general audience address, Pope Francis said that holiness can never be selfish, but is a gift that must be put into practice through daily witness and attentiveness to the needs of others.
Pope Francis blasts abortion, euthanasia as 'sins against God'
Nov 15, 2014 / 07:53 amPope Francis told a group of Catholic doctors that “playing with life” in ways like abortion and euthanasia is sinful, and he stressed that each human life, no matter the condition, is sacred.
Bathrooms of St. Peter's soon to include showers for homeless
Nov 14, 2014 / 14:59 pmAfter hearing from a homeless man that a bath is more urgently need than food in Rome, the Vatican’s papal almoner commissioned that showers be added to the public restrooms in St. Peter's Square.
What will the Pope be up to in Sri Lanka, Philippines? Take a look
Nov 14, 2014 / 07:07 amToday the Vatican published the official itinerary for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, during which he is slated to spend roughly two days each in Colombo, Manila and Tacloban.
For Pope Francis, kingdom of God grows by silent witness, not spectacles
Nov 13, 2014 / 09:20 amPope Francis said in his homily at Mass on Thursday that the kingdom of God, already present among us, never attracts attention to itself but rather is cultivated though silent holiness in everyday life.
Domestic violence increasingly on the Vatican's radar
Nov 13, 2014 / 02:01 amA Catholic psychologist who recently met with the Pontifical Council for the Laity says violence between partners is still a massive problem globally – and it's gaining more attention from the Vatican.
True charity gives people God, not bread alone, cardinal says
Nov 13, 2014 / 00:02 amCardinal Robert Sarah has stressed the link between charity and preaching the Gospel, saying that while the practical needs of the poor are important, Christians can give something more essential: Jesus Christ.
Priest swaps clerical hats with a 'sharp, healthy' Benedict XVI
Nov 12, 2014 / 11:49 amA priest who met and exchanged zucchettos with retired pontiff Benedict XVI last week marveled at the former pope's joy, mental clarity and good health.
Pope Francis – Do you have what it takes to be a good priest?
Nov 12, 2014 / 04:56 amIn his weekly general audience Pope Francis spoke on the qualities needed to be a true minister of God, saying that those who are ordained should never be “authoritative,” but rather humble and merciful.
You can't serve others if you're lazy or controlling, Pope says
Nov 11, 2014 / 09:34 amIn his homily on Tuesday Pope Francis said that Jesus’ service to others has no boundaries, and warned of those who put limits on how much they give because they are lazy, or want to control the situation.
'We need bridges, not walls!' Pope says on Berlin Wall anniversary
Nov 9, 2014 / 07:27 amOn the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Pope Francis said that it only happened through a long, painful struggle, and warned that there are still many walls that divide the world today.
Archbishop decries Jerusalem car attacks: 'We are acting like savages'
Nov 6, 2014 / 17:29 pmA Melkite-Greek Catholic archbishop has lamented recent car attacks in Jerusalem, saying that such actions are inhuman and tear down society.
God goes to the limit – not halfway – to save sinners, Pope says
Nov 6, 2014 / 10:12 amIn his homily on Thursday Pope Francis condemned those who are afraid “to dirty their hands” by welcoming sinners, and encouraged all to imitate Jesus – who gave everything in search of the lost.
At the heart of the annulment process: Justice, salvation of souls, Pope says
Nov 5, 2014 / 12:07 pmPope Francis gave a brief address to canonists on Wednesday, discussing the grave importance of justice in the process of marriage annulment, and the salvation of souls above all – which is always found in justice.
Hearing God's voice is hard if you're self-absorbed, Pope warns
Nov 4, 2014 / 07:09 amIn his homily on Tuesday Pope Francis cautioned not to be too self-reliant, saying that this attitude can lead to a self-centered egoism that is afraid of God and refuses to hear or accept his generosity.
Mary the center of heavenly host, Pope says on All Saints Day
Nov 1, 2014 / 11:09 amIn his Angelus address for the solemnity of All Saints, Pope Francis said that it is a joy to have a spiritual family living in eternity, and stressed that Mary is the first of the saints who guides us to her son.