Articles by Elise Harris
American cardinals reflect after Pope's anti-division comments
Nov 19, 2016 / 14:38 pmWhen Pope Francis spoke out sharply against the “virus of polarization,” three new American cardinals saw a chance for a serious examination of conscience.
Pope warns new cardinals against falling into polemics, division
Nov 19, 2016 / 03:59 amOn Saturday Pope Francis handed a red hat to 17 new cardinals, warning them against the danger of falling into polemics and animosity and encouraging them to be close to their people, imitating God’s mercy.
Pope tells bishops to have compassion on those with failed marriages
Nov 18, 2016 / 13:12 pmOn Friday Pope Francis stopped by a formation course for bishops on the new marriage nullity process, telling attendees that as bishops, and now as local judges in annulment cases, they must pursue the truth, but never exclude those whose marriages have failed.
New Venezuelan cardinal says country's crisis prompted red hat
Nov 18, 2016 / 11:05 amVenezuelan Archbishop Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo is one of the Pope's picks from the peripheries who will get a red hat this weekend, which the new cardinal-elect says is a sign of the Vatican's concern for the people amid the country’s ongoing crisis.
To be corrupt is to follow the devil, Pope Francis says
Nov 17, 2016 / 06:06 amOn Thursday Pope Francis warned Catholic business leaders against the danger of worshipping money, saying corruption is to follow the lies of the devil, whereas practices aimed for the common good are always built around principals of honesty and fraternity.
Archbishop Gómez's immigration stance praised by Vatican official
Nov 16, 2016 / 11:09 amArchbishop Silvano Tomasi said the election of Archbishop Jose Gómez as vice president of the U.S. bishop’s conference will serve as a great resource on immigration, especially in wake of the presidential election of Donald Trump – known for his “fiery” comments on the issue.
What the poor suffer from most happens in developed countries
Nov 16, 2016 / 00:05 amWhile rarely talked about, Neglected Tropical Diseases are the most widespread ailment among the world's poorest of the poor – yet also ironically the most prevalent in top global economies, experts say.
'Beloved' Syria's new cardinal a sign of the Pope's closeness
Nov 15, 2016 / 06:08 amVatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said that Francis’ decision to give a red hat to the longtime papal envoy to Syria is a sign of the Pope’s closeness to the Church and people on the ground amid the country's dire situation.
On last Mercy Friday, Francis meets men who left the priesthood
Nov 11, 2016 / 10:43 amFor his last “Mercy Friday” during the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis spent the afternoon visiting seven young men who have left the priesthood, as a sign of closeness and affection after the difficult decision they made.
When it comes to Trump, Pope says primary concern is about migrants
Nov 11, 2016 / 07:12 amWhen asked in a new interview what he thinks of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, Pope Francis said he doesn’t judge politicians, but noted that main concern is for migrants and refugees.
Vatican prays Trump presidency will promote peace amid conflict
Nov 9, 2016 / 04:45 amAfter Donald Trump pulled off what was for many a surprising victory in the United States election, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin offered his prayers that the new president-elect would promote peace in a world torn by conflict.
Archbishop Joseph Tobin named as head of Newark archdiocese
Nov 7, 2016 / 04:00 amThe Vatican announced Monday that recently nominated Cardinal-elect Archbishop Joseph William Tobin of Indianapolis will soon be taking over as the new head of the Newark, N.J. Archdiocese.
Pope asks authorities to grant clemency for prisoners during Jubilee
Nov 6, 2016 / 04:56 amAfter celebrating Mass for prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis in his Angelus address appealed for better prison conditions and asked that as part of the Jubilee of Mercy, competent global authorities would consider granting clemency to eligible inmates.
During jubilee for prisoners, Pope tells inmates not to lose hope
Nov 6, 2016 / 03:23 amOn Sunday, Pope Francis held a special Mass held for prisoners inside St. Peter’s Basilica, telling them that while paying the price for their crimes is necessary, they must never lose hope for the future or the desire for true freedom.
Fear is an 'existential whip' that can destroy society, Pope warns
Nov 5, 2016 / 13:08 pmIn a lengthy, wide-ranging speech to members of international NGOs, Pope Francis offered a clear and stern warning against modern attitudes of fear that close us to others and ultimately ruin society, suggesting love and collaboration as opposed to false solutions as a remedy.
Prisoners to be Pope Francis' special guests at Mass in St. Peter's
Nov 3, 2016 / 06:07 amOn Nov. 6, a special Jubilee for Prisoners will be celebrated at the Vatican, drawing detainees and their families from around Italy and beyond to St. Peter’s Basilica for Mass with Pope Francis and a special reception after.
The saints stand out – because they're happy, Pope Francis says
Nov 1, 2016 / 03:44 amThe saints of the Church have many different qualities, but one thing that unites them all is a sense of joy, Pope Francis said in his All Saints Day Mass in Sweden.
Make unity a priority, Pope Francis says at Reformation anniversary
Oct 31, 2016 / 11:36 amWhile in Sweden to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Pope Francis heard moving testimonies from both Lutherans and Catholics working to better society, giving thanks for their witness and praying for greater unity.
Want to end child soldiers? Stop fighting, South Sudanese archbishop says
Oct 29, 2016 / 02:02 amArchbishop Paulino Luduku Loro of Jubo, South Sudan has said that when it comes to the dramatic and widespread phenomena of child soldiers in his country’s conflict, the only way to stop it is to end the fighting and focus on talking about the issues.
Pope Francis talks Sweden, Catholic-Lutheran dialogue in new interview
Oct 28, 2016 / 07:15 amAhead of his upcoming trip to Sweden for the joint commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Pope Francis granted a lengthy, wide-ranging interview to a Jesuit magazine in which he talks about his expectations, and Catholic-Lutheran unity.