Articles by Elise Harris
Pope Francis: confession is not condemnation, but mercy
Mar 28, 2014 / 06:14 amIn a speech given to priests and seminarians attending a course on the Sacrament of Confession, Pope Francis spoke about the mercy of God, stating that it is the most important aspect of their ministry.
Schedule for Pope’s Holy Land visit released
Mar 27, 2014 / 07:41 amThe Holy See has officially published the itinerary for Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to the Holy Land, during which he is slated to travel to Jordan, the State of Palestine, and Israel.
Pope, Obama discuss relations between Church and State
Mar 27, 2014 / 07:04 amDuring the March 27 meeting between Pope Francis and President Barack Obama, the two exchanged cordial discussion regarding the state of the Church in the U.S., as well as topics of shared interest.
German bishop accused of luxurious lifestyle resigns (Updated)
Mar 26, 2014 / 07:56 amIn a March 26 statement the Holy See announced its acceptance of the resignation of Bishop Franz-Peter Tebarts-van Elst, noting that the situation in his diocese does not allow the full exercise of his ministry.
Holy Orders fosters a passionate love of the Church, Pope notes
Mar 26, 2014 / 04:13 amIn his weekly general audience Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the Sacraments, devoting today’s discourse to those who receive Holy Orders, referring to it as a vocation of “service.”
Pope lauds Mary’s meekness on feast of the Annunciation
Mar 25, 2014 / 08:47 amDuring his Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Pope Francis emphasized that salvation is a gift from the Lord which we ought to receive with humility and obedience, just as Mary did.
Archbishop underscores beauty, joy of family life
Mar 25, 2014 / 07:01 amAt the official presentation of the upcoming World Day of Families in Rome, Archbishop Charles Chaput spoke of the importance of family life in society, and expressed his desire to strengthen it in the Church.
Vatican launches astronomy class for parish educators
Mar 24, 2014 / 07:00 amThe Vatican’s Observatory has announced that for the first time it will be hosting a workshop analyzing the relationship of faith and astronomy for parish educators, which is slated to take place next spring.
Pope: only the humble, marginalized 'obtain salvation'
Mar 24, 2014 / 06:34 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis dedicated his reflections to the virtue of humility, explaining that only the “outcasts” who recognize their need of God know what it means to be saved.
Pope decries escalating violence in South Sudan
Mar 24, 2014 / 04:01 amIn a letter sent to the archbishop of the South Sudanese capital Juba, Pope Francis urged the nation's citizens to find a peaceful solution to conflicts and to seek the common good over personal interests.
Pope Francis warns against the disguise of hypocrites
Mar 18, 2014 / 08:11 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis cautioned against those who appear to be holy but are in fact self-absorbed, explaining that Lent is a time a time of purification which allows us to grow closer to the Lord.
Christian responsibility means to listen, Pope tells Roman church
Mar 17, 2014 / 08:09 amDuring his visit to the Roman parish of Our Lady of Oration on Sunday, Pope Francis emphasized the necessity of listening to God, and encouraged attendees to make time every day to read the Bible.
Pope Francis to meet with families of mafia victims
Mar 17, 2014 / 03:59 amThis coming Friday Pope Francis is slated to preside over a prayer vigil for victims of mafia violence and their families, which takes place the night before the national day commemorating the lives lost.
Let the word of God grow in your heart, encourages Pope
Mar 16, 2014 / 07:02 amIn his weekly Angelus address Pope Francis reflected on the scene of the Transfiguration, emphasizing the importance of listening to God, especially in scripture, and of sharing the Gospel with others.
'I need the people of God to sustain me,' Pope says in interview
Mar 15, 2014 / 03:50 amDuring a recent radio interview given to a station in a slum of Argentina, Pope Francis explained his frequent request for prayers, and praised the work of the many priests who minister among the poor.
Pope's exercises highlight danger of worldly temptations
Mar 14, 2014 / 05:46 amDuring Pope Francis’ spiritual exercises, Msgr. Angelo De Donatis focused his meditations on the Grace of God, warning against worldly attitudes, and emphasizing the importance of being open to God’s love.
Cardinal remembers Opus Dei priest as man 'chosen by God'
Mar 14, 2014 / 03:03 amDuring a special conference commemorating the life of deceased Opus Dei leader Msgr. Alvaro del Portillo, Cardinal Julian Herranz noted the priest's model of holiness for the Church.
Fr. Lombardi: Pope is spending anniversary in prayer
Mar 13, 2014 / 07:13 amIn light of the Pope Francis’ first anniversary as Bishop of Rome, the Vatican has stated that the pontiff is doing nothing special to celebrate other than pray, as he is currently participating in his Lenten retreat.
Pope to hold first official audience with the blind, deaf
Mar 12, 2014 / 11:29 amAs the first pontiff to meet with those who are blind and deaf in an exclusive audience, Pope Francis will hold the gathering later this month – an encounter participants are highly anticipating.
Bishops laud Pope’s humility, care for poor on anniversary
Mar 12, 2014 / 05:14 amIn a statement released on the occasion of the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, US bishops praised the pontiff for his example, and encouraged the faithful to offer continued prayers on his behalf.