Articles by Elise Harris
Ambassador: diversity of papal delegation speaks of dialogue
May 21, 2014 / 09:36 amIn comments made to CNA, the Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See noted that the presence of both a rabbi and a Muslim in the Pope’s delegation to the Holy Land is a milestone in interreligious relations.
Gift of knowledge attunes us to vision of God, Pope says
May 21, 2014 / 04:20 amDuring his general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the Holy Spirit’s gift of knowledge, explaining that it enlightens our human perspective and helps us to see God in the whole of creation.
Anti-human trafficking effort launched ahead of World Cup
May 20, 2014 / 16:02 pmThe U.S. embassy to the Holy See has partnered with women religious in a new anti-human trafficking campaign being launched ahead of July's World Cup in Brazil.
Pope warns against superficial peace that rusts and fades away
May 20, 2014 / 06:15 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis cautioned attendees not to place their security in the worldly peace of wealth, vanity or power, but rather in that offered by Jesus, which is the only one that lasts.
Vatican official sees 'warming-up' of Catholic-Orthodox relations
May 19, 2014 / 09:23 amA member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity affirmed the sentiments of many who believe that Catholic-Orthodox relations have improved in recent years, especially under Pope Francis.
Have a firm heart fixed on the Holy Spirit, Pope affirms
May 19, 2014 / 05:12 amIn his daily Mass Pope Francis reflected on the various challenges St Paul faced in his ministry, explaining that it was only possible for him to go forward because his heart was fixed on God.
Heresies sprout from getting lost in 'ideas,' Pope warns
May 16, 2014 / 10:53 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis explained that it takes more than intellectual assent to truly get to know Jesus – we must also develop a personal relationship of joy through prayer and works.
Pope Francis postpones engagements due to cold
May 16, 2014 / 07:13 amThe Holy See announced that Pope Francis’ activities today have been canceled due to a minor cold, and that his weekend visit to a Roman shrine is also postponed so he can rest before going to the Holy Land.
Israeli parliament lauds John XXIII as example of unity
May 16, 2014 / 04:42 amIn an unprecedented session held earlier this week, members of the Israeli parliament praised St John XXIII for his efforts in improving Jewish-Christian relations, both before and during his pontificate.
Pope Francis decries arms trade as hindrance to peace
May 15, 2014 / 09:04 amUpon receiving the credentials of seven new ambassadors to the Holy See, Pope Francis urged the diplomats to work for peace, particularly by the eradication of the arms trade and forced migration due to conflict.
A Christian without the Church is purely idealistic, Pope says
May 15, 2014 / 06:43 amPope Francis reflected in his daily Mass on how the apostles evangelized by first telling the history of God’s people, explaining that it’s impossible to understand a Christian without this association.
Animated video on John Paul II aims to evangelize youth
May 14, 2014 / 10:02 amIn honor of the canonization of St. John Paul II, audiovisual resource page Catholic Link has created an animated video detailing the profound spiritual life of the saint with the hope of reaching youth.
Theme for upcoming World Meeting of Families announced
May 14, 2014 / 07:34 amDuring a press conference held in Philadelphia, USA Vatican officials announced the theme for the 2015 World Day of Families, which will center on humanity’s universal vocation to love.
Pope: gift of fortitude not just for 'extraordinary circumstances'
May 14, 2014 / 04:14 amDuring his General Audience address Wednesday, Pope Francis spoke on the gift of fortitude, explaining that it helps us to remain faithful not only with the big things, but also in our daily activities.
Pope warns against closed-mindedness of 'intellectual aristocracy'
May 13, 2014 / 05:22 amIn his daily Mass Pope Francis cautioned against those who seek to understand the faith only with the intellect, explaining this attitude closes one to the Holy Spirit and prevents him from acting in our lives.
Pope's trip to Holy Land a historic milestone, ambassador says
May 13, 2014 / 04:12 amDuring a press briefing on Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to the Holy Land, the Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See explained that the visit marks an important historical moment both spiritually and politically.
Holy Spirit is what keeps the Church going, Pope reflects
May 12, 2014 / 08:23 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis recalled the conversion of the first pagans to Christianity, explaining that the Holy Spirit brings us beyond our natural limits, and we should not block him with our own plans.
Couple leaves everything to begin pro-life movement in Romania
May 12, 2014 / 04:27 amFounders of prolife organization Life Nation were present in Rome for Italy’s March for Life, and spoke of their decision to return to their native Romania to fill the gap where a prolife presence was lacking.
Vatican calls on Boko Haram to release kidnapped schoolgirls
May 8, 2014 / 16:07 pmIn a May 8 statement, the Holy See condemned all gross violations of human rights, calling for an end to terrorism and a safe return for a group of more than 200 abducted Nigerian schoolgirls.
Pope Francis: grace is more important than bureaucracy
May 8, 2014 / 07:00 amIn his daily Mass Pope Francis reflected on attitudes necessary to evangelize, emphasizing the need to leave room for the grace of God instead of putting our own bureaucratic obstacles in the way.