Articles by Elise Harris
Pope Francis blasts abortion, population control in new encyclical
Jun 18, 2015 / 03:05 amIn his new encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis slams attacks against human life such as abortion, embryonic experimentation and population control – saying that respect for creation and human dignity go hand in hand.
Is climate change natural or man-induced? For Pope Francis, it’s both
Jun 15, 2015 / 00:05 amOne of the most challenging scientific questions Pope Francis faces in his new encyclical on creation is that of climate change, which a source close to the document says the Pope addresses in a balanced perspective without taking sides.
Pope Francis to parents: Do you believe in the beauty of love?
Jun 14, 2015 / 13:31 pmIn an address on Sunday, Pope Francis asked parents if they believed in the beauty of the love God gives to a man and a woman, and told them to make sure their children see this love in little signs of affection.
Caring for creation is a duty for all, Pope says ahead of encyclical launch
Jun 14, 2015 / 05:11 amPope Francis said Sunday that his coming encyclical on the care of creation is not just for some, but is addressed to all, and serves as an invitation to pay more attention to environmental destruction and recovery.
Airport evangelization: Pope talks mercy, migrants, ministry in the air
Jun 12, 2015 / 09:39 amPope Francis told a group of airport chaplains that their call is to be a sign of unity and mercy for the many different faces and cultures that come through airports, including undocumented migrants and asylum seekers.
Venezuelan hunger strikers arrive at the Vatican with a plea
Jun 11, 2015 / 15:37 pmTwo Venezuelans on a hunger strike came to Rome ahead of Pope Francis' scheduled meeting with their president, asking the Pope to promote human rights in a country ravaged by a social and economic crisis.
Days before encyclical's release, Pope condemns culture of waste
Jun 11, 2015 / 12:35 pmAfter revealing that the topic of consumerism will be a key theme in his upcoming encyclical, Pope Francis today delivered a speech condemning food waste and the indifference of states when confronted with the topic of hunger.
Ukraine crisis the focal point in Pope's discussion with Putin
Jun 10, 2015 / 12:44 pmIn the second meeting between Pope Francis and Russian president Vladimir Putin, held on Wednesday at the Vatican, the discussion focused on the current crises in both Ukraine and the Middle East.
Pope receives briefing on activities at Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts
Jun 10, 2015 / 01:01 amDuring his visit to the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts last week, Pope Francis was updated on the office's important work, which is focused on interpreting the laws of the Church.
Days after Medjugorje comment, Pope downplays predictable visions
Jun 9, 2015 / 06:59 amDays after declaring that a decision on the Medjugorje Marian apparitions would be coming soon, Pope Francis cautioned against basing one’s faith on solely on predicted visions or anything other than Christ himself.
Archbishop: Ukrainian conflict is Europe's biggest crisis since WWII
Jun 7, 2015 / 14:53 pmThe head of Ukraine’s Greek Catholic Church said the country is facing a “humanitarian catastrophe” with global consequences that cannot be ignored by the international community.
Pope Francis on Medjugorje: it's almost decision time
Jun 6, 2015 / 15:44 pmWhen asked by a Bosnian journalist about the status of his decision on the Marian apparitions in Medjugorje on his flight from Sarajevo to Rome, Pope Francis said that after a lengthy study, a decision could be coming soon.
Pope talks Medjugorje, coming encyclical on return from Bosnia
Jun 6, 2015 / 14:42 pmOn his return flight from Sarajevo to Rome Pope Francis told journalists a final decision on the highly debated Mejugorje apparitions could be close, and disclosed the “cancer” of consumerism as a theme in his coming encyclical on human ecology.
Justice, peace and equality: Sarajevo's hopes for papal visit
Jun 5, 2015 / 15:51 pmPope Francis’ visit to Sarajevo could be an opportunity to advance peace, equality, and justice for Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite a declining Catholic population whose refugees have still not returned home.
Pope Francis pays for 120 of Rome's poor to visit Shroud of Turin
Jun 4, 2015 / 10:34 amIn his latest act of papal charity, Pope Francis has donated funds for two busloads of homeless and sick pilgrims to visit the Shroud of Turin. They will stay in two charitable centers that offer shelter to the homeless during the winter.
A history of little miracles – behind Pope Francis' devotion to St. Therese
Jun 2, 2015 / 03:02 amPope Francis on several occasions has spoken of his strong devotion to the Little Flower saint as well as his habit of asking her for favors: favors, his former press secretary says, which have often come in the form little miracles.
A supernatural sign? Rare solar halo appears at Romero beatification
Jun 1, 2015 / 09:30 amAs the relics of Blessed Oscar Romero were brought out for veneration during his beatification Mass in San Salvador, the cloudy skies parted and a ring of light – known as a “solar halo” – appeared around the sun.
On feast of the Holy Trinity, Church celebrates 'love of the living God'
May 31, 2015 / 11:52 amIn the revelation of the Holy Trinity, God shows the Church his selfless love and unity that we are called to foster in our own communities, Pope Francis said in his Sunday Angelus address.
Pope's environmental encyclical to be titled 'Laudato Sii' (Praised Be You)
May 31, 2015 / 06:11 amTaken from St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Sun” prayer praising God for creation, the likely name of the Pope’s upcoming encyclical was informally announced just weeks before its anticipated publication.
As conflict rages on, Ukrainian troops make a pilgrimage for peace
May 29, 2015 / 03:02 amMembers of the Ukrainian army recently traveled to Lourdes, France for an international military pilgrimage aimed at promoting peace – something the whole country is said to be praying for.