Articles by Elise Harris
Who are the martyrs Pope Francis will beatify in Colombia?
Jul 28, 2017 / 02:02 amDuring his six-day visit to Colombia in September, Pope Francis will beatify martyrs Bishop Jesús Emilio Jaramillo Monsalve and Fr. Pedro María Ramírez Ramos, who provide a potent testimony as the country heals from decades of conflict.
Charlie Gard raises questions of parents' rights, government limits
Jul 25, 2017 / 14:18 pmFor the past few months the world has watched closely as the parents of a gravely ill British infant fought an intense legal battle over whether or not his life was worth further treatment, which has raised crucial questions.
Pope: the choice between good, evil is one we all have to make
Jul 23, 2017 / 04:07 amOn Sunday Pope Francis said good and evil are often entwined, and that as sinners, we can't label any one group or institution as bad, since we all face temptation and have the ability to choose which path to follow.
India's bishops pray new president will defend rule of law
Jul 22, 2017 / 05:08 amThe bishops of India have offered their congratulations to the country's newly elected president, Ram Nath Kovind, urging him to live out the oath he will take to serve the well-being of the people.
Venezuelan bishops offer day of prayer, fasting as riots continue
Jul 21, 2017 / 12:17 pmVenezuela's bishops have organized a day of prayer and fasting amid ongoing, violent riots throughout the country as opposition to President Nicolas Maduro hardens.
Brutal Regensburg report hailed as step in the right direction
Jul 20, 2017 / 14:02 pmA member of Pope Francis' commission to protect minors says a new report on the abuse of more than 500 choir boys in Germany points to a current reality in many non-western countries – and that bringing these things to light means progress for everyone.
In latest appointments, Pope names new members of Roman Rota
Jul 20, 2017 / 05:15 amFr. Pierangelo Pietracatella and Fr. Hans-Peter Fischer are the newest members of the Roman Rota, and mark the latest in a string of appointments Pope Francis has made this summer as part of his ongoing effort to restructure the Roman Curia.
Be protagonists of change, Cardinal Sandri tells Ukrainian youth
Jul 19, 2017 / 23:04 pmAt the close of his recent trip to Ukraine, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri met with youth from the troubled country, telling them not to be discouraged by the challenges they face but rather to trust in the Lord and commit to changing society for the better.
Senate committee considers Callista Gingrich nomination as Vatican ambassador
Jul 18, 2017 / 14:38 pmCallista Gingrich, nominated by President Donald Trump as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, laid out her priorities Tuesday at a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Corruption trial of former Vatican hospital officials begins
Jul 18, 2017 / 10:48 amOne year after Vatican City charged a priest and a laywoman in the second “Vatileaks” trial, it has begun a legal process against two laymen accused of misallocating funds from the Vatican-owned children's hospital, Bambino Gesu.
Benedict XVI: Cardinal Meisner died a 'cheerful' man
Jul 16, 2017 / 08:16 amIn a letter sent for the funeral of the late Cardinal Joachim Meisner, retired Pope Benedict XVI praised the prelate as a passionate pastor, who died a happy man at peace with the Lord and his will for the universal Church.
Bishops stress hospitality for Camino de Santiago hosts
Jul 14, 2017 / 15:38 pmThe bishops of Spain and France have published a new letter emphasizing the importance of hospitality for people who host pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, offering guidelines for how they can welcome and care for the spiritual needs of those making the long trek.
Yemeni minister: Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil is still alive
Jul 13, 2017 / 10:49 amAfter nearly a year since his kidnapping, Yemen officials say that Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil is in fact alive and efforts are being made for his release.
Pope calls catechists to be joyful, creative witnesses of Christ
Jul 12, 2017 / 13:18 pmIn a message sent to catechists from all over the world, Pope Francis stressed the need to not only make Christ the center of their lives, but to be creative and adaptable in finding ways to reach the people in their area.
Missionaries of Charity copyright blue and white sari
Jul 11, 2017 / 05:04 amThe Missionaries of Charity have patented the white and blue sari designed by Saint Teresa of Calcutta, obtaining a legal copyright recognizing the pattern as the intellectual property of the order.
Friends, colleagues remember the 'gentleman' Joaquin Navarro-Valls
Jul 9, 2017 / 08:16 amDuring his 22 years as spokesman for St. John Paul II, Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls became somewhat of a legend in the Vatican – not only for his keen professional abilities and insight into the Pope's mind, but also for his genuine kindness and deep spiritual life.
Pope dedicates July to praying for those distant from the faith
Jul 5, 2017 / 14:13 pmIn his prayer video for the month of July, Pope Francis has asked Christians to join him in praying for those who have strayed from the faith, providing hope to them through the witness of our joy and actions.
Vatican, al-Azhar focus on papal trip speeches in latest meeting
Jul 5, 2017 / 13:20 pmIn the wake of Pope Francis' whirlwind visit to Egypt, the Vatican and the prestigious Muslim al-Azhar University have held another meeting, focusing on the landmark speeches given during the Pope's visit.
Pope asks for parents' wishes to be respected in Charlie Gard case
Jul 2, 2017 / 12:41 pmStepping into what has turned out to be a tumultuous legal battle involving a UK couple's push for a say in the treatment and death of their terminally ill son, Pope Francis has offered his prayers for the child, and asked that the parents' wishes be respected.
Cardinal Müller: There's no problem between me, Pope Francis
Jul 2, 2017 / 08:40 amIn a brief interview given just hours after hearing that he would no longer be heading the Vatican's doctrine office, Cardinal Gerhard Müller said the decision was normal, and was not the result of conflict between him and Pope Francis.