Articles by Elise Harris
Twelve hours on a boat to tell Pope Francis 'I love you'
Jan 16, 2015 / 00:45 amDolorosa and Joay traveled on a 12-hour boat trip from their home province in the Philippines to Manila, where they hope to see “the image of Jesus” – Pope Francis – and tell him that they love him.
Attendee of Philippines WYD 1995 to concelebrate papal Mass
Jan 15, 2015 / 15:28 pmFr. Marcello Pondoc attended the Philippines World Youth Day with St. John Paul II in 1995, and 20 years later will participate in Pope Francis’ visit as a concelebrating priest at Friday's papal Mass.
Gift from heaven? Pope receives unexpected visit from St. Therese of Lisieux
Jan 15, 2015 / 12:05 pmDuring his flight to the Philippines, Pope Francis thanked a French journalist who gave him an image of St. Therese, saying that instead of giving the usual rose when he asked for help, St. Therese came to him herself.
Sri Lankan cardinal credits papal trip for post-election peace
Jan 13, 2015 / 10:05 amAfter tense elections yielded a new president just days before Pope Francis' arrival in Sri Lanka, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said that the “miracle” of a smooth transition is due in large part to the Pope's visit.
Pope tells diplomats to work for peace amid a world rife with conflict
Jan 12, 2015 / 07:54 amPope Francis told Vatican diplomats that peace – which is a communal responsibility – is the only solution to global issues like war, terrorism and social problems such as unemployment and slavery.
How a crucifix restoration in Rome offers hope to the poor
Jan 11, 2015 / 16:03 pmAfter receiving inspiration from an aged crucifix, Cardinal James Stafford commissioned it to be restored as a sign of compassion for Rome’s suffering poor and unemployed population.
Haitian welder turned amputee soccer star: 'It's the best life'
Jan 10, 2015 / 14:32 pmAfter losing a leg during Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake, Wilfrid Macena became a prosthetic technician and founded an amputee soccer team--and says his life can’t be topped years after the disaster.
Charity isn't just helping others – it's a way of life, Pope says
Jan 10, 2015 / 08:14 amPope Francis told an audience of Haiti earthquake survivors and relief agencies that restoration is only possible when communities unite in charity, tearing down walls of individualism and focusing on others.
For Sri Lanka, Pope's visit solidifies peace after brutal civil war
Jan 9, 2015 / 16:04 pmFalling just five years after the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war, Pope Francis’ visit to the country is seen as a sign of reconciliation, a message expected to be shown through his gestures more than his words.
Pope: Spend a lot of time looking in the mirror? You might be a narcissist
Jan 9, 2015 / 07:30 amIn his homily Friday Pope Francis cautioned against the narcissism of those who close their hearts out of fear, insecurity or vanity, saying that only the Holy Spirit can make us docile and open to love.
Haitian amputees lace-up soccer cleats on Roman sports field
Jan 9, 2015 / 04:29 amFive years after the island of Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake, three young amputees will have the opportunity to play soccer in Rome through the help of the Knights of Columbus.
Pope Francis hails motherhood as the 'antidote to individualism'
Jan 7, 2015 / 05:39 amDuring his general audience Pope Francis lamented how mothers are often under-appreciated in their family role, and said they are key players in fighting against an individualistic, self-centered society.
Cardinal wowed by vocation surge at Rome's American seminary
Jan 6, 2015 / 15:22 pmThe Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin voiced enthusiasm at seeing the high number of American seminarians studying in Rome – calling it a sign that vocations are on the rise.
True models of conversion: wise men believed in love, not worldly power
Jan 6, 2015 / 05:05 amOn the solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that the journey of the three wise men reflects a path of conversion taken by each person, in which God breaks the norm of our human expectations.
'It's like Jesus is coming to the Philippines': Frenzy builds over Francis
Jan 6, 2015 / 04:02 amA priest on the papal flight for Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the Philippines said the country is anxiously awaiting the pontiff and is anticipating his paternal closeness with those who suffer.
Pope Francis' new cardinals shed light on Church's minorities
Jan 4, 2015 / 06:50 amIn his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis announced the names of the 15 bishops to be created cardinal electors in February, many of whom hail from small dioceses which have never before had a cardinal.
Without the Church, Jesus 'is at the mercy of our imagination,' Pope says
Jan 1, 2015 / 04:25 amIn his homily on New Year’s Day, Pope Francis said that Jesus and his mother Mary are “inseparable,” just like Jesus and the Church, who is the mother of all humanity that guides her children to God.
The Pope's Christmas prayer – deliver children who suffer due to violence
Dec 25, 2014 / 05:01 amIn his Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing Pope Francis prayed for all who suffer due to war and conflict, asking that the salvation of the infant Jesus be given above all to abused and maltreated children.
A sign of hope; Christmas tree illuminates St. Peter's Square
Dec 19, 2014 / 17:05 pmThe 83-foot Italian tree in St. Peter's Square was lit for the first time this season at the unveiling of the Vatican's nativity scene, which Pope Francis called a sign of “light, hope and love” for the world.
Pope warns against sterile egoism rooted in a desire for power
Dec 19, 2014 / 09:38 amPope Francis cautioned Christians against an egoism that excludes the need for God in his homily at Mass on Friday, saying this attitude renders our lives sterile and prevents the Church from bearing fruit.