Articles by Elise Harris
'Flawed, inadequate' – bishops skewer synod's working doc in new report
Oct 9, 2015 / 06:47 amA controversial working document for the Vatican's synod on the family took a hard hit from numerous bishops who've called the text overly negative, unclear, and possibly inaccurate in its translations.
African bishops throw swift punch at 'ideological colonization'
Oct 8, 2015 / 09:38 amHeavy criticism of the West imposing secular values on Africa in exchange for aid emerged as a theme from the continent's bishops, as the Vatican's synod on the family kicks off its first week.
What saves us from loneliness? Family! Pope Francis says
Oct 7, 2015 / 03:34 amFamily rescues us from indifference and loneliness and teaches us the essentials of life, Pope Francis said – adding that as the family of God, the Church has the same role and must evaluate how to live this out.
Pope Francis could visit Mexico in first half of 2016
Oct 6, 2015 / 10:40 amPope Francis is seriously considering a trip to Mexico in 2016, the vice director of the Holy See Press Office told CNA today.
Pope Francis asks for prayers ahead of synod discussion
Oct 4, 2015 / 03:51 amIn his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis stressed the role of spouses in generating children, and asked for prayers ahead of the synod discussions beginning tomorrow.
God's dream for creation? The union of a man and woman, Pope says
Oct 4, 2015 / 02:18 amPope Francis formally opened the synod of bishops Sunday, telling participants that the union between a man and woman is the foundation of God’s plan for the family, and a solution to the many forms of loneliness in today’s world.
What to expect from this year's synod of bishops
Oct 2, 2015 / 09:57 amAs the synod’s schedule and methodology were rolled out ahead of its launch this weekend, some novelties came along with it, such as no midterm report and a heightened emphasis on the small groups.
Vatican clarifies background on Pope Francis' meeting with Kim Davis
Oct 2, 2015 / 03:54 amAfter meeting with Pope Francis earlier this morning, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi confirmed that the Pope met with Kim Davis and her husband as part of a large group invited by the nunciature.
A Mexican exorcist advances on path to sainthood – courtesy of the Pope
Oct 2, 2015 / 03:04 amAmong the eight causes for sainthood advanced by Pope Francis is a Mexican exorcist who lived during the time of the Cristero War, and was mentored by as bishop that has since been canonized.
To welcome a migrant is to welcome God himself, Pope says
Oct 1, 2015 / 03:43 amIn his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Pope Francis recognized the challenges involved with welcoming migrants, but stressed that despite the difficulties they should always be accepted as brothers and sisters.
Sistine Chapel Choir releases sacred music album recorded in its chapel
Sep 30, 2015 / 02:01 amAs the first album ever to be recorded inside the Sistine Chapel is released, Archbishop Georg Ganswein said the sacred music featured is not something of the past, but continues to play a role in evangelization.
Mercy, dialogue to be the focus of World Communications Day
Sep 29, 2015 / 06:31 amAnnounced Tuesday, this year’s theme for World Communications Day is inspired by the upcoming Jubilee of Mercy, and stresses that social communications should be centered on mercy, dialogue and welcome.
Pope: Communion for divorced, remarried isn't the only synod issue
Sep 28, 2015 / 03:03 amPope Francis told journalists on board his flight to Rome that giving communion to divorced and remarried Catholics is a “simplistic” solution to the issue, and stressed that there are also other problems that need to be discussed.
Leave ideology behind and care for the human person, Pope tells UN
Sep 25, 2015 / 07:45 amOn Friday Pope Francis told members of the United Nations that there is no room for “ideological colonization” in their agenda, and stressed the need to go beyond policies to concrete solutions in caring for the poor and vulnerable, as well as the environment.
Surprise of heading Vatican Observatory reminds astronomer of God's providence
Sep 19, 2015 / 16:30 pmBrother Guy Consolmagno, S.J. has spent more than 20 years – the majority of his life as a Jesuit – as an astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory. Now he’s taking the helm as its director.
Education and play are key to childhood, Pope tells Cuba, US youth
Sep 19, 2015 / 10:56 amThe U.S. embargo on Cuba, education, care of the environment, war, and peace were all themes touched on by Pope Francis in a satellite television conference with youth from Havana and New York Thursday.
Vatican parish welcomes first refugee family following Pope's appeal
Sep 18, 2015 / 10:57 amA family of four has been welcomed by the community of the Vatican's St. Anne parish after Pope Francis' made an appeal earlier this month for every church in Europe open their doors to refugees.
No one can play dumb on what's happening in the Middle East, Pope says
Sep 18, 2015 / 05:02 amWhile the international community can't seem to find solutions to the current crisis ravaging the Middle East, thanks to the media it's caught the world's attention and can't be ignored, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis will arrive to Cuba as a 'missionary of mercy'
Sep 18, 2015 / 03:13 amOn the eve of his arrival to Cuba Pope Francis sent a video message to the small island nation, expressing his desire to be a witness of God’s mercy in the country, and to encourage locals to do the same.
Francis: Sex workers, abandoned children are a result of our indifference
Sep 17, 2015 / 06:14 amOn Thursday Pope Francis said that abandoned children and exploited sex workers forced to live on the street are a “shameful reality” in modern society, and encouraged efforts to find more concrete ways to help them.