Articles by Elise Harris
Indian bishop-elect aims to show God's love to new flock
Jul 10, 2014 / 19:04 pmFr. Theodore Mascarenhas, who was appointed Wednesday to be an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Ranchi in India's eastern state of Jharkhand, has voiced his enthusiasm for the task.
Vatican backs a 'Pause for Peace' during World Cup final
Jul 10, 2014 / 10:53 amThe Pontifical Council for Culture has launched an effort designed to unite the world in asking for peace in warring countries by observing a moment of silence during the final game of the World Cup.
Pope Francis to visit evangelical pastor from Buenos Aires
Jul 10, 2014 / 06:29 amThe Vatican announced earlier today that Pope Francis has decided to pay a private visit to an evangelical pastor who is a close friend from his time in Buenos Aires, but currently lives in Italy.
Violence begets violence, Church leaders in Holy Land declare
Jul 9, 2014 / 13:15 pmIn a declaration issued by the Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land, Church leaders decried ongoing violence in the region, criticizing leaders’ closed-mindedness, and calling for peaceful negotiations.
Hate-speech laws a 'tool of totalitarianism,' lawyer warns
Jul 9, 2014 / 05:44 amDuring a recent event discussing the origin and implementation of European hate-speech laws, lawyers argued that the “ill-conceived” laws pose a danger to free speech and often stifle constructive dialogue.
Korean celebrities create music video ahead of Pope's visit
Jul 8, 2014 / 10:07 amMore than 20 Korean celebrities have come together in making a music video honoring Pope Francis’ upcoming visit, and is an initiative they hope will help to overcome religious differences.
Calabrian police take stand against mafia following Pope's visit
Jul 8, 2014 / 07:35 amTwo weeks after Pope Francis’ harsh condemnation of mafia corruption in the Italian region of Calabria, police abandoned a Marian procession which paused to bow in front of the house of a mafia leader.
Maria Goretti's greatest witness is forgiveness, priest observes
Jul 7, 2014 / 05:58 amFollowing St. Maria Goretti’s feast day, the rector of the basilica where her body resides stated that her willingness to forgive is her most prominent testimony, and that her virtue is an example for family life.
Pope Francis lauds testimony of working mothers
Jul 5, 2014 / 03:54 amDuring his one-day trip to Molise Pope Francis met with personnel of the region’s university, urging them to find creative solutions to unemployment, and thanked working mothers for their example.
New wave of violence takes on human face, priest in Israel says
Jul 4, 2014 / 07:12 amThe Latin Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem has decried the new eruption of violence in Israel and Palestine following the murder of 4 teens, stating that it can only be ended by humanizing the other side.
Official logo, prayer for WYD Krakow 2016 announced
Jul 3, 2014 / 10:18 amIn a press conference held earlier today in Krakow, Poland, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz presented the official logo and prayer for the 31st World Youth Day slated to take place there in 2016.
Pope Francis names new bishop to Fall River diocese
Jul 3, 2014 / 06:39 amIt was announced by the Vatican earlier today that Pope Francis has tapped Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha, S.D.V., auxiliary for Newark, N.J., to lead the diocese of Fall River, Mass.
Catholic aid organizations scramble to meet Iraqi needs
Jul 3, 2014 / 03:56 amIn a tumultuous Iraq facing an increasingly uncertain future, Catholic charity organizations are rallying to meet the immediate needs of those afflicted by ongoing violence.
Revenge only perpetuates violence, Jerusalem bishop observes
Jul 2, 2014 / 01:46 amIn wake of escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine following the murder of three Israeli teens, Bishop William Shomali has encouraged leaders to work for reconciliation, rather than retaliation.
Pope Francis to hold audience with elderly, grandparents
Jul 1, 2014 / 06:55 amThe Pontifical Council for the Family is organizing a day dedicated to the elderly, during which Pope Francis will meet with them as sign of the important role they play in a society that lives longer.
US ambassador: Pope draws global attention to trafficking
Jul 1, 2014 / 04:43 amU.S. ambassador to the Holy See Ken Hackett has praised the attention Pope Francis is giving to the “scourge” of human trafficking, and spoke of collaborative initiatives aimed at its eradication.
Hartford archbishop: receiving pallium a 'moving' experience
Jun 30, 2014 / 09:01 amAfter receiving the pallium from Pope Francis on Sunday’s feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Archbishop Leonard Blair expressed that the “beautiful” moment serves as a reminder of the basics of his ministry.
Pope Francis: Church grows from the blood of the martyrs
Jun 30, 2014 / 06:16 amPope Francis focused his homily for the feast of the First Roman Martyrs on the witness of martyrdom, and prayed for all who continue to be persecuted for their faith, particularly in the Middle East.
Trust in God overcomes worldly fears, Pope tells archbishops
Jun 29, 2014 / 03:25 amOn the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis installed 24 new archbishops with the pallium, urging them, like Peter, to place their security in the Lord when faced by the fear of their own weakness.
Vatican laicizes former nuncio to Dominican Republic
Jun 27, 2014 / 09:18 amFollowing abuse accusations last fall involving the apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Republic, the Vatican has concluded the first part of his canonical trial with a guilty verdict and laicization.