Articles by Elise Harris
Society needs priests 'enamored' with the Gospel, Pope Francis says
Dec 1, 2016 / 05:02 amIn his message for the 2017 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis focused on the need to be “missionary disciples” who first fall in love with God, and are then propelled into action, zealously spreading the Good News they have heard.
Pope Francis meets Martin Scorsese, director of 'Silence,' at Vatican
Nov 30, 2016 / 08:18 amOn Wednesday, Pope Francis added world famous director Martin Scorsese to the list of Hollywood stars he has welcomed for a private meeting in the Vatican, following an official Rome preview of Scorsese’s new film “Silence.”
We have to pray for both the living and the dead, Pope Francis says
Nov 30, 2016 / 05:38 amIn his last set of catechesis on mercy, Pope Francis focused on the works of praying for the living and the dead, as well as burying the dead, insisting that since we are all part of one family in Christ, we must remember to pray constantly for one another.
Vatican foundation exploring pros, cons of new technologies
Nov 30, 2016 / 03:04 amAlongside the various technological advances booming throughout the world, the digital age has also brought with it questions as to exactly what effect these new technologies are having on the global market, particularly when it comes to jobs.
Pope Francis offers prayer, condolences after Colombia plane crash
Nov 30, 2016 / 02:57 amAfter a plane crash in Colombia claimed the lives of 71 people, including the majority of Brazil’s up and coming Brazil's Chapecoense soccer team, Pope Francis has offered his prayer and solidarity for the victims and their families.
Here's what Pope Francis is doing for Christmas
Nov 29, 2016 / 10:47 amWhile signs of bustling pilgrims who came for the Jubilee of Mercy are mostly gone, new signs of Christmas are springing up around St. Peter’s Basilica, including the construction of the large Nativity scene in the middle of the square, and the placement of a Christmas tree alongside it.
Pope mourns death of Fr Kolvenbach, former head of Jesuits
Nov 28, 2016 / 10:34 amAfter the death of Jesuit Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, former head of the order, over the weekend, Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Society praising the priest’s fidelity and offering prayers for the repose of his soul.
Pope taps Tallahassee bishop to lead St. Petersburg diocese
Nov 28, 2016 / 05:31 amOn Monday the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has named Bishop Gregory Parkes of Pensacola-Tallahassee as the new head of the St. Petersburg diocese, where he will take over as their fifth bishop.
Scientists play a key role in solving global problems, Pope Francis says
Nov 28, 2016 / 04:30 amPope Francis told a group of scientists Monday that their role in finding creative solutions to the world’s problems is more urgent than ever, and praised increasing collaboration between scientific and religious communities.
UPDATED: Fidel Castro, communist leader who met three Popes, dies at 90
Nov 26, 2016 / 03:30 amAfter hearing of the death of Fidel Castro, former president and leader communist revolution in Cuba, late Friday evening, Pope Francis sent a telegram offering his prayers for the deceased and the entire nation.
Drugs a 'new form of slavery', Pope Francis says
Nov 25, 2016 / 08:42 amDrug addiction is a contemporary form of slavery, Pope Francis lamented Thursday, emphasizing that a rehabilitation which restores victims' joy and dignity is much needed.
Advancing relations core of meeting between Pope, Vietnam president
Nov 24, 2016 / 02:05 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis met Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang at the Vatican for a meeting largely focused on collaboration between the Church and State, as well as how to move forward in cementing better relations.
Detroit, Orange County get new auxiliary bishops from Pope Francis
Nov 23, 2016 / 09:09 amOn Wednesday, it was announced that Pope Francis has named two local priests as auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and has chosen a priest from Orange County to become an auxiliary bishop for that diocese.
In latest meeting, Synod of Bishops finalizes preparatory doc for 2018
Nov 23, 2016 / 07:11 amThe Synod of Bishops met in Rome this week to finalize the preparatory document and questionnaire that will form the basis of the discussion for the upcoming gathering to discuss youth, faith and discernment.
Pope Francis: we all have doubts, but living the faith helps
Nov 23, 2016 / 03:42 amWhile the Jubilee might be over, Pope Francis hasn’t stopped talking about mercy, telling faithful Wednesday that the works of mercy of counseling the doubtful and instructing the ignorant, are rooted in a deep faith, and are things we can do every day.
For Cardinal Tobin, Pope Francis is in step with his predecessors
Nov 23, 2016 / 03:02 amIn a sit-down interview with CNA Monday, Cardinal Joseph Tobin opened up about his appointment and his thoughts on the U.S. elections, as well as Pope Francis’ warning to cardinal’s against ‘polarization’ and his emphasis on mercy.
After Krakow, Mary at heart of next World Youth Day gathering
Nov 22, 2016 / 07:43 amOn Tuesday the Vatican announced the themes for the next three World Youth Day encounters, which are focused on Mary and form the basis of a spiritual journey culminating in the next global encounter in Panama in 2019.
How an ex-prostitute's horrific suffering moved Pope Francis
Nov 20, 2016 / 09:29 amPope Francis still remembers meeting with a former prostitute during the Jubilee of Mercu, and hearing how she suffered untold atrocities.
For Bangladesh's new cardinal, papal visit will boost faith
Nov 19, 2016 / 19:36 pmAfter becoming the first prelate from Bangladesh to ever get a red hat, newly-elevated Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario said his country is waiting for the Pope’s visit in 2017, which will not only rejuvenate the Church, but will help strengthen interfaith ties.
A Missionary of Mercy’s advice for priests after Jubilee
Nov 19, 2016 / 16:04 pmHaving spent the Holy Year fulfilling his mandate as one of Pope Francis’ Missionaries of Mercy, Fr. John Paul Zeller has some advice for his fellow priests when it comes to forgiveness and the sacrament of Confession.