Articles by Elise Harris
Archbishop Chaput named as one of new members on synod council
Nov 14, 2015 / 04:08 amOn Saturday the names of the 15 cardinals and bishops chosen to prepare for the next synod were announced by the Vatican – one of them being Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia.
For Pope Francis, the Eucharist satisfies our every hunger
Nov 13, 2015 / 14:17 pmFor Pope Francis, the Eucharist is all that can satisfy humanity’s deepest hungers and longings, and is a source of hope, joy, and zeal in leading others to Christ.
Beware the 'idolatry of immanence,' Pope Francis says
Nov 13, 2015 / 13:28 pmPope Francis cautioned against making idols out of earthly things, including our own habits, and stressed that while these will eventually fade away, their Creator is the only thing that will remain.
As Pope's visit nears, Ugandans fight external push for contraception
Nov 12, 2015 / 04:02 amOne topic Ugandans expect Pope Francis to address in his upcoming visit to the country is the push by certain Western powers to enforce the use of contraception as a central means of fighting AIDS.
Vatican launches investigation of journalists who published leaked docs
Nov 12, 2015 / 03:31 amThe two Italian journalists who made headlines last week for authoring books on confidential Vatican financial documents are under investigation, and could face criminal charges.
Eat with your family, not with your smartphone, Pope says
Nov 11, 2015 / 05:57 amFor Pope Francis the dinner table is a key place to strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of “togetherness,” which he said can often be thwarted by an excess attachment to technology.
Pope Francis: Christian joy comes from going against the tide
Nov 11, 2015 / 04:02 amPope Francis celebrated Mass in Florence this week, saying that joy comes from discerning the real Jesus from the image offered by distorted philosophies of God, popular only for a short time.
Francis' message to the Italian Church: imitate Jesus in humility, service
Nov 10, 2015 / 12:13 pmIn a lengthy speech to the Italian Church at large, Pope Francis said that true human and ecclesial advancement can only be achieved when founded on the humility and detachment of power exemplified by Christ.
In Tuscany, Pope Francis says proximity overcomes indifference
Nov 10, 2015 / 02:58 amPope Francis today traveled to the Tuscan city of Prato, where he told the city’s labor force – many Chinese immigrants – to be courageous in fighting corruption and indifference, and to work toward a culture of inclusion.
Pope: 'Deplorable' leak of private docs doesn’t damper Vatican reform
Nov 8, 2015 / 05:15 amOn Sunday Pope Francis spoke out for the first time on what has been called the most recent “Vatileaks” scandal with the theft of confidential information by the Holy See, but offered his assurances that the reform process would move forward.
Pope Francis is going to Kenya - and here's what people are talking about
Nov 6, 2015 / 03:38 amAs anticipation mounts in Africa ahead of Pope Francis’ coming visit, one Kenyan bishop said his country is excited to see the Pope’s simplicity and humility in action, especially toward the poor.
For Pope Francis, unity of martyrdom is stronger than Christian divisions
Nov 5, 2015 / 12:15 pmDespite the numerous divisions among Christians today, the followers of Christ are powerfully united in the witness of martyrdom across the globe, Pope Francis said Wednesday.
Excluding people isn't Christian – it leads to war, Pope says
Nov 5, 2015 / 09:46 amPope Francis on Thursday said that those who form private, exclusive groups mimic the attitude of the Pharisees, leading to conflict and division, whereas true Christians open the doors – with prudence – to everyone.
Those who've stayed – what now for Christians in Syria and Iraq?
Nov 5, 2015 / 06:02 amWar in Iraq and Syria have taken a heavy toll on the Chaldean Christians of the Middle East. Now Chaldean bishops like Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, Iraq are asking what they can do to help Christian refugees survive and preserve their faith in times of trouble.
Vatican: Leak of classified docs is illegal, trying to sow confusion
Nov 4, 2015 / 12:22 pmVatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said the recent stealing and leaking of confidential information surrounding Pope Francis' pontificate is illegal, and charged that it was done in order to create confusion.
Rome pilgrimage gives homeless man a new perspective on life
Nov 3, 2015 / 15:00 pmDerrick Yearout has come a long way from his homeless, drug-addicted days. After changing his life and getting off the streets he made a pilgrimage to Rome, which he says has given him a new outlook on life.
Pope: if you don't serve others, then what are you living for?
Nov 3, 2015 / 05:54 amThough letting go of yourself and living for others can make you seem weak in the eyes of the world, Pope Francis said that this is the purpose of our lives, and that in the logic of God, it’s what makes us truly victorious.
Pope Francis to open Bangui's Holy Door while in Central African Republic
Nov 1, 2015 / 07:24 amOn Sunday Pope Francis announced that he will jump-start the Jubilee of Mercy by opening the diocese of Bangui’s Holy Door while in the Central African Republic, as a sign of prayer and solidarity for the war-torn nation.
Saints are contagious examples of everyday holiness, Pope says
Nov 1, 2015 / 05:48 amOn the Solemnity of All Saints, Pope Francis said the mark of true holiness is living each day as a child of God, imitating both Jesus and the saintly individuals we encounter in the ordinary moments of life.
Pope Francis: Every Christian must be prepared for martyrdom
Oct 30, 2015 / 09:36 amOn Friday Pope Francis reflected on the life and death of Blessed Oscar Romero, who was recognized as a martyr earlier this year, stressing that each Christian ought to be ready to give their life for the faith.