Articles by Elise Harris
Postulators reflect on humanity of John Paul II, John XXIII
Apr 23, 2014 / 05:26 amThe postulators of the canonization causes for both John Paul II and John XXIII told journalists at the Vatican that the soon-to-be-saints also had faults which show their “humanity.”
Arabic iBreviary a 'gateway' to religious freedom, creator says
Apr 23, 2014 / 03:34 amFr. Paolo Padrini, creator of the iBreviary application, said that part of his goal for the recent release of the program in Arabic is fostering religious freedom in countries persecuted for their faith.
Philippines issue new stamps of Blessed John Paul II, John XXIII
Apr 22, 2014 / 03:22 amFollowing the presentation of a new stamp of Pope Francis, Philippine postmaster Maria De la Cruz revealed that they will also release stamps honoring Bl. John Paul II and John XXIII for their canonization.
Pope: Easter invites return to our first encounter with Jesus
Apr 19, 2014 / 13:11 pmIn his homily for the Easter Vigil Pope Francis encouraged those present to remember the moment they first felt the love of God, saying that Jesus' resurrection is a time to relive this experience anew.
Pope leads thousands in Stations of the Cross reflections
Apr 18, 2014 / 13:29 pmFollowing his celebration of the liturgy commemorating the Lord's Passion, Pope Francis led pilgrims in the traditional prayer of the Stations of the Cross, which was held inside of the Coliseum in Rome.
Papal preacher slams 'curse' of money-driven corruption
Apr 18, 2014 / 10:17 amIn his homily for Good Friday’s Passion liturgy, Papal Preacher Raniero Cantalamessa decried the poisonous actions of those who exploit others for financial gain, urging all to repent of their sin.
Pope urges faithful to serve with radical love of Jesus
Apr 17, 2014 / 11:49 amDuring his homily for Holy Thursday’s Mass at a center for disabled persons, Pope Francis reflected on how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, calling it an act of loving service that we ought to imitate.
Priests must anoint others with oil of gladness, Pope reflects
Apr 17, 2014 / 03:54 amIn his homily given during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis spoke on the joy of the priestly vocation, saying a cleric “is useless” unless his happiness is found in the grace of God.
Vatican to launch webpage detailing work of Popes on women
Apr 16, 2014 / 09:25 amLeading up to the canonizations of Bl. John Paul II and John XXIII, the Pontifical Council for the Laity will publish a new webpage highlighting the emphasis both pontiffs placed on the role of women.
Pope Francis: kiss the crucifix, kiss the wounds of Jesus
Apr 16, 2014 / 04:00 amIn his general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the meaning of suffering and evil, explaining that it is a mystery which finds its answer in the passion and death of Jesus, who endured it for each of us.
Expert says social media changes are evangelization opportunity
Apr 15, 2014 / 15:38 pmThe internet and social media have caused major changes in human communication, but also create a “tremendous opportunity” for evangelization, a communications expert with the U.S. bishops has said.
Pope Francis will give Gospels to the imprisoned for Holy Week
Apr 15, 2014 / 09:39 amThe Holy See announced earlier today that those incarcerated at the Roman prison “Regina Coeli” will receive a pocket-sized copy of the Gospels as a gift from Pope Francis for Easter.
'I can't leave my people': Priest killed in Syria hailed as martyr
Apr 15, 2014 / 06:21 amDays after Dutch priest Fr. Frans van der Lugt was murdered in Syria, a close young friend recalled his saintly life, noting both his personal holiness and extraordinary advances in Christian-Muslim relations.
Greatest fruit of WYD has been vocations, organizer says
Apr 14, 2014 / 04:46 amAt a recent gathering discussing preparations for World Youth Day in Krakow, a coordinator for the event emphasized that each year many youths receive the courage to answer their vocational call.
One victim of trafficking is too many, cardinal emphasizes
Apr 13, 2014 / 15:02 pmFollowing a Vatican conference on human trafficking, Cardinal Vincent Nichols lamented the millions of victims and spoke of initiatives that provide an opportunity for them to come forward.
The Christian life is a constant battle against evil, Pope reflects
Apr 11, 2014 / 06:36 amPope Francis centered his daily homily on the topic of temptation, observing that it has a specific structure, and encouraging attendees to learn from scripture how to fight the devil.
Pope responds to Venezuelan peace talks invitation
Apr 11, 2014 / 02:31 amResponding to an invitation from Venezuela's foreign affairs minister to participate in the country’s peace talks, Pope Francis sent a letter to all parties involved, encouraging them to foster open dialogue.
Vatican, civil authorities join forces against human trafficking
Apr 10, 2014 / 09:02 amGathered in Rome to discuss methods for the eradication of human slavery, both law enforcement and Vatican officials exchanged ideas on how to collaborate in combating the issue and caring for victims.
Pope Francis warns against the dictatorship of narrow thought
Apr 10, 2014 / 06:09 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis cautioned faithful against idealizing one’s own way of thinking and encouraged them to be vigilant in prayer, noting that a closed mind leaves no room for God.
Pope mourns 'brutal killing' of priest, urges end to violence
Apr 9, 2014 / 11:17 amIn comments made following his general audience address, Pope Francis lamented the killing of a Jesuit priest in Syria, and appealed to the country’s leaders to foster peace and respect human dignity.