Articles by Elise Harris
High price tags and ugly secrets – how surrogacy preys on poor women
Jul 26, 2015 / 15:03 pmWomen from a poor demographic have become an increasing interest in the multi-billion dollar surrogate industry, with most mothers being forced or coerced into volunteering as a surrogate.
What Pope Francis might be planning to tell the UN in New York
Jul 22, 2015 / 23:01 pmAt a meeting with U.S. mayors at the Vatican this week, Pope Francis hinted at themes he could discuss with the United Nations during his September visit to the states.
Less 'euro-centric,' please – what African bishops want from the synod
Jul 22, 2015 / 05:02 amOctober's synod of bishops on the family should take on a global perspective, rather than sticking to isolated issues found primarily in western society, African Church leaders have said.
Ebola deaths are still happening – and the Vatican is aiming to stop them
Jul 21, 2015 / 05:02 amAlthough two of the three countries hardest hit by last year’s Ebola outbreak have been declared free of the virus, they aren’t out of the woods yet.
Corruption, threats, torture – we need justice in the mining industry, Pope says
Jul 18, 2015 / 11:03 amContinuing his theme on protecting both the environment and human rights, Pope Francis pointed to various injustices in the mining industry and called for collaboration in fostering change.
After a two-week vacation, Benedict XVI heads back to Rome
Jul 14, 2015 / 11:09 amWith two restful weeks outside of the Vatican behind him and two honorary doctorates in hand, Benedict XVI has again returned to Rome, where he has a rare public event set for the summer.
Vatican applauds Iran nuclear deal, calls for commitment to make it 'bear fruit'
Jul 14, 2015 / 06:14 amAfter global powers reached an agreement with Iran Tuesday limiting the country’s nuclear activity, the Vatican said the deal was an important step and expressed their hope the fruits would spread to more than just the nuclear field.
Pope Francis apparently not amused by 'communist crucifix' (Updated)
Jul 9, 2015 / 09:45 amWhen leftist Bolivian president Evo Morales on Thursday presented Pope Francis with a “communist crucifix” – a carving of Christ crucified on the hammer of a hammer and sickle – the Pope appeared to say, “This is not ok,” while shaking his head.
Papal crowds in Ecuador topped one million on Francis' first day
Jul 7, 2015 / 09:48 amOn the first full day of his apostolic journey to South America Pope Francis had already drawn more than 1 million people to his first public Mass in Guayaquil, the Vatican’s spokesman estimates.
Receiving awards, Benedict XVI credits witness of John Paul II
Jul 4, 2015 / 10:57 amAfter receiving an honorary doctorate from both the Pontifical John Paul II University of Krakow and the Krakow Academy of Music, retired pontiff Benedict XVI credited the saintly example of his predecessor for his spiritual and theological achievements.
A fourth saint for the Little Flower family? Cause for Leonia Martin officially opens
Jul 3, 2015 / 05:26 amWith a sister who is a Doctor of the Church and parents set to be canonized in October, Leonia Martin could be the fourth member of her family declared a saint as her own cause for canonization officially opens.
Vatican official says 'it's time to act' on protecting the environment
Jul 3, 2015 / 05:08 amCardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, has expressed his hope that Pope Francis’ recent environmental encyclical will have a strong impact on the United Nations' three major gatherings this year, and will inspire global powers not only to talk, but to act.
Pope's encyclical forges unusual allies in fight for the environment
Jul 2, 2015 / 10:48 amThe Vatican recently added the voice of self-described “secular Jewish feminist” Naomi Klein to their discussion on the climate, signaling a wider collaboration in the push for environmental protection.
Pontifical university plans to offer diploma in child protection by 2016
Jul 2, 2015 / 05:02 amBeginning in the spring of 2016, Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University will begin offering an intensive one-semester diploma program on the safeguarding of minors and the prevention of sex abuse by clergy.
Francis wishes Benedict XVI a good summer in Castel Gandolfo
Jun 30, 2015 / 10:13 amBefore heading out for his two-week stay at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo this summer, retired pontiff Benedict XVI received a 30 minute visit from Pope Francis, who wished him a pleasant stay.
Cuba, US set to be a busy trip for Pope Francis
Jun 30, 2015 / 08:00 amPope Francis’ itinerary while in Cuba and the United States confirms several highly anticipated events including a special U.N. Summit and the canonization of Bl. Junipero Serra. He is also set to meet with groups he frequently prioritizes: homeless, prisoners and migrants.
Pope to families: If you hide your problems, they'll only get worse
Jun 24, 2015 / 05:47 amFamily wounds that aren’t dealt with in a healthy and timely manner can have devastating effects on both spouses and children, Pope Francis has said, and encouraged wounded families to work toward healing without letting bitterness build up.
Synod guiding document: families need the Church's message of mercy
Jun 23, 2015 / 07:20 amThe document set to guide this year’s synod discussions on the family touches on hot-button issues such as homosexuality and divorced and remarried couples, stressing that mercy is something every family needs from the Church.
Saint Francis and his star role in the Pope's new encyclical
Jun 18, 2015 / 14:03 pmPope Francis' new encyclical is filled with references to his namesake, whom the Pope says is a model of how an integral ecology goes beyond matters of science and leads humanity to find God in creation.
Vatican: Encyclical aims to promote common good, not take sides
Jun 18, 2015 / 14:01 pmThe Vatican's presentation of Pope Francis' new encyclical said the intent behind the document goes beyond political debates, aiming for something more essential: the well-being of all creation.