Articles by Elise Harris
Holy See press office launches new Twitter account
Jan 30, 2014 / 15:12 pmThe Holy See press office has launched a new Twitter account, aiming to make the world more aware of the activities of the Church and of Pope Francis.
A Christian without the Church is an 'absurd dichotomy,' says Pope
Jan 30, 2014 / 08:38 amIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis reflected on the intrinsic relationship between the Church and the People of God, emphasizing that we need to be humble and obedient to her teachings in order to be faithful.
Vatican: Rolling Stone article a display of 'superficial journalism'
Jan 30, 2014 / 05:07 amVatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has strongly criticized the tone of “crudeness” directed to Benedict XVI in a recent article published in the “Rolling Stone” magazine on Pope Francis.
'Superpope' artist acclaims Pope Francis as a true hero
Jan 29, 2014 / 10:02 amArtist Mauro Pallotta revealed that his viral depiction of Pope Francis as a superhero was done to portray how the pontiff uses his papal authority “for the good.”
Pope: confirmation gives us the strength to defend the faith
Jan 29, 2014 / 07:34 amIn his Wednesday audience, Pope Francis reflected on the sacrament of confirmation, explaining that it is intrinsically linked to our baptism, and that through it our relationship with the Church is fortified.
Pakistani blasphemy law a threat to all religions, chairman says
Jan 29, 2014 / 05:27 amDuring a special round-table meeting last week, various professionals gathered to raise awareness of Pakistan’s extension of the death-penalty for persons who commit crimes against the Koran.
'Come out of your shell' to praise the Lord, Pope encourages
Jan 28, 2014 / 07:09 amIn his daily homily, Pope Francis spoke on the importance of freely praising God in our prayer, and warned against an attitude which can be judgmental of others who do not follow certain “formalities.”
Pope advances the causes of eight possible Saints
Jan 28, 2014 / 04:36 amDuring a Monday meeting with the head of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the “heroic virtue” of eight Servants of God, which now allows their public veneration.
Pope Francis' writings on ecology could become encyclical
Jan 27, 2014 / 12:04 pmA statement released by the Vatican last Friday revealed that Pope Francis has begun to work on a text surrounding the topic of ecology, which could eventually become an encyclical.
Pope lauds 'bravery' of those anointed by God
Jan 27, 2014 / 06:52 amIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis reflected on the significance of the special anointing given to priests and bishops, emphasizing that it marks their role of service to the Church, which we should be grateful for.
Pope, Hollande discuss positive role of religion in society
Jan 27, 2014 / 04:56 amDuring Pope Francis’ meeting with French president Francois Hollande on Friday, the two discussed an array of topics concerning human dignity, centering the meeting on the role of religion in society.
New Harrisburg, Pa. bishop 'stunned' by appointment
Jan 24, 2014 / 09:58 amThe Vatican announced that Bishop Ronald Gainer will be leaving his post in Lexington, Ky. to take the helm in the diocese of Harrisburg, Pa. – a transfer which is both a surprise and a joy.
Pope Francis: swallow 'toads' of pride in order to dialogue
Jan 24, 2014 / 08:01 amIn his daily homily, Pope Francis spoke of the importance of being humble in order to dialogue with others, and emphasized that we should not build “walls” that can foster resentment with others.
US celebrates 30 years of diplomacy with the Vatican
Jan 23, 2014 / 17:17 pmOn the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See's founding, new Ambassador Ken Hackett lauded the many fruits borne from the relationship, expressing his hope to help bear more.
'Poison' of jealousy destroys communities, stresses Pope
Jan 23, 2014 / 08:41 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis warned against the dangers of envy, explaining that it is a sin which fosters bitterness against our brothers, stifles our joy and inhibits us from truly praising God.
Media should foster culture of encounter, Pope Francis says
Jan 23, 2014 / 04:13 amIn his first message for World Communication Day, Pope Francis spoke of the importance of creating a culture of encounter, highlighting how media should always be a service which goes out to meet others.
Church officials laud re-opening of Irish embassy to Vatican
Jan 22, 2014 / 13:03 pmAn announcement that Ireland's government will re-open its embassy to the Holy See came as welcome news to Church officials, who believe it is a “constructive”move for the Church.
Pope: receive God's gifts with a generous heart
Jan 22, 2014 / 07:25 amPope Francis dedicated his general audience today to the topic of Christian unity, emphasizing that although divisions can be painful, we ought to be grateful for the gifts given to other denominations.
Blessing of lambs a 500 year old tradition, priest reveals
Jan 22, 2014 / 03:58 amShortly before the blessing of the lambs yesterday in honor of the feast of St. Agnes, the parish priest of the basilica honoring the martyr explained that the tradition has been around since the 16th century.
God always chooses the 'little ones,' Pope Francis reflects
Jan 21, 2014 / 13:05 pmIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis noted how God seeks to have a personal relationship with each of us, emphasizing that he favors those who are humble and small because he is able to dialogue with them.