Articles by Elise Harris
Pope Francis taps Helena bishop as new head of Las Vegas diocese
Feb 28, 2018 / 05:36 amBishop George Leo Thomas, who until now has led the Diocese of Helena, will be taking the reins in Las Vegas, bringing with him broad pastoral experience and expertise in psychology, mental health issues, mission work and prison ministry.
The first Christian altar was the cross, Pope Francis says
Feb 28, 2018 / 04:41 amPope Francis said Wednesday that having Mass centered around the altar is meant to remind faithful that the cross is the first Christian altar on which Christ offered the sacrifice of his life.
Former Boko Haram captive shares harrowing tale of faith, forgiveness
Feb 26, 2018 / 12:27 pmRebecca Bitrus, who was a prisoner with Boko Haram for two years, is a stark reminder that behind all the rhetoric about promoting peace and helping persecuted Christians, there are real people who have suffered unimaginable atrocities.
Snowball fight! Rare snowfall leads to fun, frenzy in Rome
Feb 26, 2018 / 05:02 amMany were skeptical, but when Romans awoke Monday morning the forecast was right: the city was covered in a blanket of snow – a phenomenon so rare that schools were closed and public transport largely suspended throughout the day.
Jesus always prepares us for the trials we face, Pope Francis says
Feb 25, 2018 / 11:05 amOn Sunday Pope Francis said Jesus never leaves his followers alone, but always prepares them for the trials they will face, just as he during his transfiguration, which helped his disciples to understand and cope with his Passion and death.
Pope Francis: Fresh violence in Syria's Eastern Ghouta is 'inhumane'
Feb 25, 2018 / 04:37 amAfter a week of heavy bombardment near Damascus left hundreds of civilians dead, Pope Francis has made an appeal for global leaders to rally in ending the siege, allowing civilians to evacuate and humanitarian aid to get in.
This couple gave up everything to help Sudanese refugees in Uganda
Feb 24, 2018 / 13:35 pmSelling everything and moving to Uganda to work with refugees is not likely on many people's to-do list. In fact, it's probably the last thing most would consider, especially young couples hoping to start a family.
Pope Francis returns to Rome after week of spiritual exercises
Feb 23, 2018 / 11:40 amOn Friday Pope Francis returned from his week-long Lenten spiritual exercises in Ariccia, where he and members of the Roman Curia have been on their annual retreat since Sunday afternoon.
Archbishop Scicluna leaves hospital, continues abuse investigation in Chile
Feb 23, 2018 / 10:16 amAfter a gallbladder surgery left him in the hospital for three days, Archbishop Charles Scicluna has been discharged, and will continue investigating allegations of abuse cover-up by a local bishop in Chile.
Archbishop Scicluna hospitalized in Chile amid abuse investigation
Feb 21, 2018 / 10:27 amArchbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, who is currently in Chile investigating allegations of abuse cover-up by a local bishop, was hospitalized Wednesday and underwent gallbladder surgery, though he is expected to make a full recovery.
Pope accepts resignation of disputed Nigerian bishop
Feb 19, 2018 / 11:13 amPope Francis accepted the resignation Monday of a Nigerian bishop who had been rejected by many of the priests of his diocese since his appointment more than five years ago.
Youth look forward to sharing hopes, concerns in pre-synod meeting
Feb 16, 2018 / 11:24 amAhead of the pre-synod meeting set to take place next month, several young participants voiced excitement to meet with peers from all over the world to exchange ideas and talk about life's major questions.
Court likely to withdraw charge of key accuser in Cardinal Pell abuse case
Feb 15, 2018 / 10:05 amThe Melbourne Magistrates Court heard Wednesday that a charge related to a key witness in the case against Cardinal George Pell, accused of historical sexual abuse, is likely to be withdrawn.
Pope Francis regularly meets with abuse victims on Fridays
Feb 15, 2018 / 05:45 amIn a conversation with Jesuits during his recent visit to Peru, Pope Francis said he regularly meets with victims of sexual abuse on Fridays, and that while the percentage of priests who abuse is relatively low, even one is too many.
Pope Francis voices sorrow for 'devastating' Florida school attack
Feb 15, 2018 / 05:01 amOn Thursday, Pope Francis assured his spiritual closeness to all those affected by a deadly shooting at a Florida high school that left 17 dead, offering prayer for the victims and voicing hope that such acts of violence would end.
Expert says religious freedom critical for Vatican-China bishop deal
Feb 14, 2018 / 11:06 amA missionary priest and expert on the Church in China has expressed cautioun, and a limited optimism, about a rumored agreement between China and the Vatican on the appointment of bishops.
Mass-goers have a right to a well-prepared homily, Pope says
Feb 14, 2018 / 05:32 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis again offered some reflections and tips for the Liturgy of the Word, saying faithful who attend Mass lack a fundamental “right” if they do not receive a well-prepared and well-preached homily.
Pope Francis: To fight human trafficking, listening to survivors is key
Feb 12, 2018 / 15:21 pmOn Monday, Pope Francis urged all people, and youth in particular, to meet with victims of human trafficking in order to learn more about how to fight the scourge of modern-day slavery.
Pope, Bangladesh Prime Minister discuss Rohingya crisis at Vatican
Feb 12, 2018 / 08:05 amJust two months after his recent visit to Bangladesh, Pope Francis Monday welcomed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Vatican, where they discussed positive inter-faith relations in the country and the need to find a lasting solution to the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis.
Pontifical university offers new youth protection degree program
Feb 10, 2018 / 00:00 amRome's Pontifical Gregorian University will begin offering a two-year licentiate course in protecting minors, a move Fr. Hans Zollner SJ, said is a sign of the progress the Church has made in terms of abuse-awareness and prevention.