Articles by Elise Harris
In rare move, Pope Francis to publicly celebrate 20 marriages
Sep 5, 2014 / 04:42 amThe Vatican has released the schedule of Pope Francis' main liturgical celebrations for the month of September, during which he will publicly perform the marriage of 20 couples.
Pope Francis: Decadent Christians have forgotten Christ
Sep 4, 2014 / 08:42 amIn his daily homily on Thursday, Pope Francis spoke on the importance of having an encounter with Christ, saying without it one becomes lukewarm and unable to evangelize.
Suspension of Fulton Sheen's cause expected to be temporary
Sep 4, 2014 / 06:32 amIn the wake of the suspension of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's cause for canonization due to an ownership dispute of his remains, the office promoting his sainthood says it doesn't expect the halt to last long.
Pope Francis is a 'son of the Church' on pro-life issues
Sep 4, 2014 / 03:55 amPope Francis has drawn praise for his firm pro-life stance as well as his approach to the topic – which goes to the heart of the issue and teaches the Church how to truly embrace humanity.
Pope Francis: the Church is a mother who guides her children
Sep 3, 2014 / 03:42 amIn his general audience Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the Church, turning to the aspect of her maternity, of which the Virgin Mary is a model encouraging us to reach out to our brothers and sisters.
Pope Francis' match for peace thrills with positive message
Sep 2, 2014 / 12:00 pmPlayers, singers and sponsors who participated in Pope Francis' interreligious match for peace have praised him for the idea, stating that it promotes good values important for youth today.
Pope Francis to Iraqi priest: I'll never leave or forget you
Sep 1, 2014 / 08:00 amAfter sending a letter to Pope Francis on the plight Iraqi refugees fleeing ISIS violence, Fr. Behnam Benoka received a phone call from the pontiff who gave his blessing and assured of his prayers.
Greek Catholics face hostility amid unrest in Ukraine
Aug 29, 2014 / 16:02 pmA bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church called for peace amid escalating conflict with pro-Russian separatists, stating that the Church there is facing increased persecution as fighting goes on.
Jerusalem priest to Israel, Palestine: Humanize one another
Aug 29, 2014 / 11:02 amFollowing the agreement of an indefinite ceasefire in Gaza earlier this week, a key priest in Jerusalem says the only way for it to last is if both sides overcome dehumanizing prejudices of the other.
Koreans infected with 'Francis syndrome' after papal visit
Aug 29, 2014 / 03:02 amA former Korean ambassador to the Holy See spoke of the effects of Pope Francis' recent visit to South Korea, saying that all of Asia now feels a long-term challenge to imitate his humble ways.
Pakistani leader talks persecuted Christians with Pope Francis
Aug 29, 2014 / 01:03 amIn a brief encounter with Pope Francis following his general audience yesterday, former Pakistani minister Paul Bhatti discussed persecuted Christians and invited the pontiff to visit their country.
Catholics denounce use of hashtags for 'paramilitary warfare'
Aug 27, 2014 / 23:02 pmReacting to an internet campaign launched by ISIS threatening the life of U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff, Catholic leaders stressed that evil is not the final verdict and encouraged faithful to adhere to Christ.
No one wins by destroying each other, Jerusalem bishop says
Aug 27, 2014 / 16:20 pmBishop William Shomali of Jerusalem hopes the new indefinite ceasefire in Gaza will hold, cautioning that victory cannot come from violence and that compromise is vital on both sides for it to last.
Pope: division is among greatest sins of Christian communities
Aug 27, 2014 / 04:04 amDuring his weekly general audience Pope Francis spoke on the unity and holiness of the Church, stating that despite the fact we are sinners, we are called to live as a community centered on Christ.
A refreshed Benedict XVI captivates students with homily
Aug 26, 2014 / 11:31 amParticipants in the annual Ratzinger “schulerkreis” study group were overjoyed at seeing the retired pontiff in good health, noting that they were deeply moved by his homily on the triumph of God's love.
Vatican spokesman: ISIS threat to Pope Francis unfounded
Aug 26, 2014 / 07:42 amIn response to rumors that the Islamic State may be targeting Pope Francis, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. said there is no reason for concern.
Pope Francis' interfaith soccer match shows desire for peace
Aug 25, 2014 / 19:03 pmA priest and close friend of Pope Francis says the pontiff's idea for an upcoming inter-religious soccer match for peace shows his keen interest in promoting the topic on all levels of society.
Pope sends letter of condolence to family of James Foley
Aug 25, 2014 / 06:25 amPope Francis sent a letter to the family of a U.S. journalist killed by ISIS last week, assuring them of his closeness and prayers for reconciliation and peace throughout the world.
Pope Francis leaves Asian faithful energized after visit
Aug 24, 2014 / 15:06 pmMany across Asia from all ages and stages in life voiced their enthusiasm in seeing Pope Francis during his recent visit to South Korea, saying he has shown great closeness to the Asian people.
Korean nuns voice joy, gratitude for audience with Pope
Aug 18, 2014 / 11:03 amTwo Korean nuns have expressed their excitement at having participated in an audience with Pope Francis, stating that his words on poverty and the witness of the martyrs were particularly impactful.