Articles by Elise Harris
Pope Francis meets Leonardo DiCaprio at the Vatican
Jan 28, 2016 / 09:24 amOn Thursday Pope Francis met briefly with actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio, who recently won an award for his efforts for environmental protection at the World Economic Forum.
It's time to put the heat on South Sudan's leaders, bishop says
Jan 28, 2016 / 00:06 amBishop Santo Loku Pio Doggale joined his brother prelates from South Sudan and Sudan for a time of rest and prayer in Rome last week, during which they were able to discuss key issues the two countries face, including decades of internal conflict and war.
Pope rallies Catholics to be 'mediators of mercy' during jubilee
Jan 27, 2016 / 05:40 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis renewed his appeal for faithful to put the works of mercy into practice during the jubilee, urging them to open their hearts to others, and to show God’s tenderness to those who suffer.
What is Pope Francis going to say in Mexico about immigration?
Jan 27, 2016 / 03:06 amAs Pope Francis’ weeklong visit to Mexico draws near, anticipation is building not just for the presence of the Successor of Peter, but also for how he will respond to hot-button topics such as immigration.
Religious liberty at center of Pope's meeting with Iranian president
Jan 26, 2016 / 09:28 amOn Tuesday Pope Francis met with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani for the first time, an encounter that focused heavily on human rights, religious freedom, and an end to the spread of terrorism.
In speech to Rota, Pope Francis shows annulment conditions aren't loosening
Jan 22, 2016 / 11:38 amIn his annual speech to the Holy See's main court on Friday, Pope Francis affirmed the indissolubility of marriage and clarified that poorly developed “personal faith” is not itself a grounds for finding that a marriage is null.
What's the first step to good communication? Listening, Pope says
Jan 22, 2016 / 05:53 amFor Pope Francis, the ability to listen is the first requirement for good communication, which is something he said should never exclude, but must provide an encounter rooted in mercy and welcome.
Women may now have their feet washed at Holy Thursday Mass, Pope says
Jan 21, 2016 / 10:14 amPope Francis has changed the rules for the Church’s traditional foot-washing ceremony on Holy Thursday, issuing a decree allowing women to participate in what has until now been a ritual officially open only to men.
Pope Francis: for Christians, baptism is stronger than differences
Jan 20, 2016 / 05:32 amIn his general audience during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis focused on the common baptism Christians share, saying the strength of this bond is stronger than existing divisions.
Europe's 'new nationalism' is problematic, Austrian cardinal warns
Jan 19, 2016 / 00:08 amThe Archbishop of Vienna has warned that as Europe’s migrant crisis reaches a fever pitch, the continent risks falling into old fears that could build new walls that are contrary to the Christian concept of charity.
Every migrant has a story and culture of value, Pope Francis says
Jan 17, 2016 / 05:19 amOn Sunday Pope Francis offered special greetings to 6,000 migrants and refugees who were gathered in S. Peter’s Square, telling them not to be discouraged by negative experiences, but rather to find hope in the Lord.
Religious differences are a 'seed of peace', Rome's chief rabbi says
Jan 16, 2016 / 10:33 amRiccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, said Pope Francis’ visit to Rome’s major synagogue this weekend is a sign of strengthened Jewish-Catholic relations, and shows that differences in belief should be a source of peace rather than violence.
Pope's message to youth: have courage to swim against the tide
Jan 14, 2016 / 05:47 amPope Francis has sent a special message to the youth who will participate in the Jubilee of Boys and Girls in April, telling them the Holy Year is an opportunity to grow in holiness and mercy, so that they become Christians capable of making courageous decisions.
What Pope Francis' book could tell us about the upcoming synod doc
Jan 13, 2016 / 16:04 pmAs things are picking up around the Vatican in the new year, anticipation is buzzing over the release of Pope Francis’ document on the conclusions of the 2014 and 2015 synod of bishops on the family.
Nothing can stop God's mercy – not even sin, Pope says
Jan 13, 2016 / 04:34 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis launched a new series of catechesis on mercy for his general audiences, telling pilgrims that the love and forgiveness of God can’t be overcome by anything, including our sin.
We're wounded – that’s why we need mercy, Pope Francis says
Jan 12, 2016 / 07:40 amIn his new book on mercy Pope Francis offers extensive reflections on the topic that has shaped much of his pontificate, getting personal about his own experiences of mercy, what it means for him, and why humanity is in such desperate need of it.
Pope to diplomats: Migrants present challenges, but don't forget their dignity
Jan 11, 2016 / 07:05 amOn Monday Pope Francis gave his first major speech of the year to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, focusing on the hot-button topic of migration and the need to find dignified solutions to the problem.
Do you celebrate the day of your baptism? Pope Francis asks
Jan 10, 2016 / 05:35 amIn his Sunday Angelus remarks Pope Francis stressed the importance of both knowing and celebrating the day of our baptism, since it is through the sacrament that we become children of God.
Pope Francis baptizes infants, says faith is their 'greatest inheritance'
Jan 10, 2016 / 03:07 amOn Sunday Pope Francis baptized 26 babies in the Sistine Chapel, telling parents to nurture the faith in the lives of their children, because it is the greatest inheritance they can give.
Collection from Mexico papal Masses to fund migrant centers
Jan 8, 2016 / 15:44 pmFunds raised during the collection in Pope Francis' public Masses in Mexico have a special destination: they will be used to build two new welcoming centers for the country’s large influx of immigrants.