Articles by Elise Harris
De-humanization the most pressing issue of today, expert says
Oct 3, 2013 / 06:02 amA gathering of researchers and scientists convened in Rome to discuss some of the greatest threats to humanity, identifying the tendency to view persons as less than human as a key factor.
Pastoral care of families a key topic in reform meetings
Oct 2, 2013 / 09:17 amHalfway through their meetings, the council of cardinals and Pope Francis have addressed many different themes, with the formation and care of families slated to be a high priority.
Pope Francis: 'Do not be afraid of holiness'
Oct 2, 2013 / 05:53 amDuring his Wednesday general audience, Pope Francis urged thousands of pilgrims to recognize that although everyone is a sinner, it is possible to by holy because of God's grace.
Charity without meekness and humility is sterile, Pope reflects
Oct 1, 2013 / 07:54 amOn the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, Pope Francis praised the saint for her exemplary humility and meekness, praying that the council of cardinals would emulate her virtue in their upcoming meetings.
Pope experienced a 'great light' before accepting the papacy
Oct 1, 2013 / 04:39 amIn a recent interview, Pope Francis shared a mystical experience he had shortly before accepting the role as Bishop of Rome and also touched on several issues surrounding Church reform.
Peace requires tenacious, intelligent dialogue, Pope says
Sep 30, 2013 / 09:50 amDuring his morning homily, the Pope Francis spoke to religious leaders of various faith traditions, saying that fostering peace is a responsibility which can only be attained through dialogue.
Pope Francis, cardinals begin first set of reform meetings
Sep 30, 2013 / 07:27 amThe council of eight cardinals chosen by Pope Francis to advise him on church governance and curia reform will begin their first official meeting tomorrow, Oct.1.
John Paul II, John XXIII to be canonized Divine Mercy Sunday
Sep 30, 2013 / 02:34 amThe Vatican has announced that former Popes John Paul II and John XXIII are slated to be canonized this coming spring.
True Christians bear humiliation with 'joy and patience,' says Pope
Sep 27, 2013 / 05:54 amDuring his daily homily Pope Francis reflected on the nature of what it means to be a Christian, saying that an authentic follower of Christ is able to endure difficulties with a positive attitude.
Vatican seminar to explore John Paul II document on women
Sep 27, 2013 / 03:07 amThe Pontifical Council for the Laity is slated to hold a study seminar on one of Blessed John Paul II's documents discussing the dignity of women and their role modern society.
'Know Jesus,' Pope urges during daily homily
Sep 26, 2013 / 08:36 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis stressed the importance of having a personal encounter with Jesus, and said that there are three languages needed in order to get to know him.
Pius XII knew he would be misunderstood, theologian says
Sep 26, 2013 / 04:34 amA priest who knew Pius XII personally and had access to “every strip of paper” in the Vatican archives says the pontiff believed he did the right thing during the holocaust despite knowing he would be questioned.
World needs the Church's witness of unity, Pope teaches
Sep 25, 2013 / 05:35 amToday during his general audience, Pope Francis drew attention to the rich diversity within the universal Church, saying that such differences are in fact a sign of unity.
One-child policy still a massive threat to women, expert warns
Sep 25, 2013 / 03:07 amIn wake of the 33rd anniversary of China's one-child policy, a women's rights activist has raised concern about those who believe the policy has ended, warning of the dangers it still poses.
Pope Francis: sacrament of the Eucharist is not a 'magic rite'
Sep 24, 2013 / 07:13 amDuring his daily homily, Pope Francis gave special emphasis to the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, saying that it is not magical act, but an encounter with the living God.
Prejudice towards migrants and refugees must end, Pope stresses
Sep 24, 2013 / 02:43 amIn honor of the upcoming World Migration Day, Pope Francis said that the improvement of society demands the end of common prejudices against migrants and refugees.
Peace the only solution, Pope says in wake of Pakistan bombing
Sep 23, 2013 / 02:21 amPope Francis condemned a massive suicide bombing at a Christian Church in Pakistan over the weekend, calling the violence unacceptable and urging peace efforts in the region.
Vatican's new Catechism app aims to spread faith worldwide
Sep 20, 2013 / 06:47 amA pontifical council is preparing to launch a new app on the Catechism of the Catholic Church in order to help promote and better expand Church teaching throughout the world.
Pope exhorts world's new bishops to be welcoming pastors
Sep 19, 2013 / 06:32 amPope Francis spoke today to new bishops gathered from across the globe, encouraging them to tend their flocks – and to welcome, journey and remain with the members of their dioceses.
Pope Francis says Church lives, 'suffers' for her children
Sep 18, 2013 / 05:58 amDuring today's general audience, Pope Francis continued his reflections on the theme of the Church as mother, saying that it is she who accompanies and intercedes for us in life.