Articles by Elise Harris
Vatican releases official English translation of synod's final report
Oct 31, 2014 / 14:54 pmNow released in English, the Synod of Bishop's final relatio reveals a more positive tone regarding the family called for by the synod’s small groups, as well as greater clarity on phrases that generated confusion in the midterm relatio.
A (literal) breath of fresh air for the Sistine Chapel's frescos
Oct 31, 2014 / 13:11 pmThe first major makeover the Sistine Chapel has had since 1994 brings with it a completely new LED lighting system and high-tech sensors that automatically measure and adjust the chapel's oxygen levels.
Vatican astronomer yawns at frenzy over Pope's Big Bang words
Oct 30, 2014 / 14:26 pmA leading Vatican astronomer said that although some see Pope Francis' recent words on the Big Bang as signifying a change in the Church's stance on the issue, the pontiff in fact said nothing new.
The devil is no myth – he's real and we must fight him, Pope says
Oct 30, 2014 / 07:53 amIn his homily on Thursday Pope Francis said that the devil is more than and an idea, and in order to fight him we must follow St. Paul’s instructions and put on the armor of God which protects us.
Pope: Fighting for the poor doesn't make me Communist – it makes me Catholic
Oct 29, 2014 / 11:21 amPope Francis spoke out against oppression of the poor due to greed and warned again of the growing presence of a “globalization of indifference” – a warning, he said, which has wrongly type-casted him.
The Church's mystery: it's both visible and spiritual, Pope says
Oct 29, 2014 / 08:12 amIn his weekly general audience Pope Francis spoke of the visible actions carried out by the Church, explaining that they are an expression of her deeper spiritual reality rooted in the two natures of Christ.
Ebola orphans and other woes: What the Church in West Africa faces
Oct 28, 2014 / 16:03 pmA health adviser for a top global Catholic relief agency stressed the Church's key efforts on the Ebola front in West Africa: helping people overcome panic and avert devastating social stigmas by providing accurate information.
Are you Catholic? Then stay in the Church, Pope says
Oct 28, 2014 / 09:58 amPope Francis said that those waiting at the threshold of the Church without going inside are not true members of the Church which Jesus established and on whom it is built.
'What is being proposed is not marriage' – Pope calls for defense of family
Oct 26, 2014 / 11:52 amIn an audience with members of an international Marian movement, Pope Francis warned that the sacrament of marriage has been reduced to a mere association, and urged participants to be witnesses in a secular world.
Pope Francis: God's image is revealed in the face of our brothers
Oct 26, 2014 / 05:36 amThe message Pope Francis sent during his Sunday Angelus address was that love of God and neighbor are inseparably united, and that we see God’s face most clearly in the weak and vulnerable.
Vatican gives global communications group official stamp of approval
Oct 25, 2014 / 17:42 pmIn a rare move, the Vatican has officially recognized the public communications organization SIGNIS as a Catholic association, which, according to a Vatican official, happens less than once a year.
How a reproductive health pioneer became an 'instant convert' reading Humanae Vitae
Oct 23, 2014 / 10:05 amAs founders of an institute studying reproductive healthcare, Thomas and Susan Hilgers have seen the benefits that natural family planning can offer in the realms of health, sexuality and human relationships.
Ottawa archbishop cancels event, calls for prayers in wake of shooting
Oct 23, 2014 / 08:57 amThe Archdiocese of Ottawa, Canada, released a statement canceling its annual charity dinner in the wake of yesterday’s shooting, and urged Catholics to pray for all those affected by the violent act.
How do we praise God? Pray like Saint Paul, Pope Francis says
Oct 23, 2014 / 04:57 amIn his homily on Thursday, Pope Francis said no one has the strength to be a Christian without the Holy Spirit, and encouraged attendees to imitate St. Paul in praying with praise and adoration.
Ecumenical dialogue in the spotlight as Pope's Turkey trip approaches
Oct 22, 2014 / 12:57 pmThe cardinal heading the Church’s council for Christian Unity has expressed his hope that Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Turkey will help strengthen existing Catholic-Orthodox relations.
Refugees, displaced take center stage at Middle East consistory
Oct 22, 2014 / 11:04 amAt Monday's consistory on the Middle East, patriarchs gathered to discuss the threats facing local Christians, and focused on the key task of returning displaced families to their homes.
Pope Francis: Christ restores peace by breaking walls of division
Oct 21, 2014 / 09:30 amChrist wants to see us reconciled rather than living as enemies, Pope Francis said in his homily at Mass on Tuesday, explaining that a true Christian lives with this hope.
Vatican releases details for Pope Francis' visit to Turkey
Oct 21, 2014 / 06:52 amIn response to an invitation sent by Patriarch Bartolomeo I of Constantinople, Pope Francis will make a three-day trip to Turkey, during which he will visit the cities of Ankara and Istanbul.
Interreligious marriage: a look at the synod from India's perspective
Oct 19, 2014 / 16:01 pmWhile some countries face family issues such as divorce and polygamy, the synod’s Indian participants have voiced concern for interreligious marriages, which pose pastoral concerns across Asia.
Meeting of Pope Francis, Vietnamese minister a key step in restoring ties
Oct 18, 2014 / 13:49 pmPope Francis met with Vietnamese prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung Saturday morning, which is a move seen as a important step in strengthening ties between the Vatican and Vietnam.