Articles by Elise Harris
China's youngest detainee decries torture of father
May 8, 2014 / 03:16 amDubbed as “China’s youngest prisoner of conscience,” Zhang Anni and her sister Ruli have voiced their opposition to the government’s vicious treatment of their father, who resists the communist party.
Pope Francis: gift of counsel illuminates the will of God
May 7, 2014 / 05:53 amDuring his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis reflected on the Holy Spirit’s gift of counsel, explaining that through it we learn to be docile to the Lord rather than attached to our own ideas.
New Swiss Guards swear oath to protect Pope Francis
May 6, 2014 / 10:21 amThirty young men joined the ranks of the Swiss Guards today, taking an oath of allegiance to Pope Francis and promising to serve the Church by protecting him and all of his successors.
The Church is more than 'a university of religion,' Pope insists
May 6, 2014 / 06:57 amIn his daily Mass Pope Francis recounted the death of St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, explaining that being a Christian means giving witness rather than remaining sterile within ourselves.
Women conceived in rape seek to inspire others in choosing life
May 6, 2014 / 02:40 amDuring Italy’s fourth annual March for Life, two women shared testimonies of being conceived in rape, and expressed hope that they can offer light to women who are pregnant through similar circumstances.
Pope: follow God for pure intentions rather than personal gain
May 5, 2014 / 06:02 amDuring his daily Mass Pope Francis warned against those who use their faith vainly in order to obtain power or money, and prayed that all might have the grace to follow the Lord out of love.
Tens of thousands expected for Italy's March for Life
May 2, 2014 / 07:01 amThe Italian March for Life expects tens of thousands of attendees at its fourth march to support what organizer Virginia Coda Nunziante called “the first right for a human being.”
Be bold in proclaiming truth, Cardinal Dolan tells media
May 2, 2014 / 03:04 amAt a communications conference in Rome this week, Cardinal Timothy Dolan offered his own observations on how to communicate effectively, emphasizing the importance of addressing hard issues.
Pope urges Christian communities to be ones of peace
Apr 29, 2014 / 08:23 amReturning to his usual daily Mass schedule, Pope Francis reflected today that our contemporary faith communities ought to reflect that of the first Christians, who were one in “heart and mind.”
Masses of Thanksgiving offered in Rome for new Pope saints
Apr 28, 2014 / 15:35 pmFollowing the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XIII, Church officials presided over two Masses of Thanksgiving, drawing attention to the saints’ enormous contributions to the Church and to society.
New saints lauded for pioneering dialogue on women
Apr 28, 2014 / 06:52 amThe newly-canonized John Paul II and John XXIII have drawn praise for sparking discussion within the Church on modern women and paving the way for what Pope Francis is addressing now.
Polish pilgrims run 1,200 miles to celebrate in Rome
Apr 27, 2014 / 08:28 amA group of Polish friends decided to run the whole way to Rome to be present for the canonizations of St. John Paul II and John XXIII, explaining that their key motivation was to give “thanks.”
Popes John Paul II, John XXIII officially declared saints
Apr 27, 2014 / 01:29 amIn a packed St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis officially declared former pontiffs John Paul II and John XXIII as Saints.
Polish youth in Rome: John Paul II is 'our pride'
Apr 26, 2014 / 11:36 amHaving traveled 20 hours for the canonization of Bl. John Paul II and John XXIII, Polish youth voiced their excitement for the event, saying that former pontiff is “someone special” for the country.
Knights of Columbus host Mass for Polish pilgrims in Rome
Apr 26, 2014 / 04:39 amIn honor of the canonizations of Bl. John Paul II and John XXIII the Knights donated two fields in Rome where Polish pilgrims can camp, initiating the weekend with a Mass led by their Supreme chaplain.
Secretaries to John XXIII, John Paul II recount sanctity
Apr 25, 2014 / 16:02 pmCardinals Loris Capovilla and Stanislaw Dziwisz, who were personal secretaries to John XXIII and John Paul II, spoke at a news conference Friday of the clear sanctity of both Popes.
Pope thanks Poland, Bergamo for gift of two great saints
Apr 25, 2014 / 06:31 amIn messages to both residents of Poland and Bergamo, Pope Francis conveyed his gratitude for Bl. John Paul II and John XXIII, saying that their holiness continues to inspire the Church today.
Profound spiritual life of John XXIII credited for Vatican II
Apr 25, 2014 / 03:01 amThe great-nephew of Bl. John XXIII discussed the Roman Pontiff's Church vision in calling the Second Vatican Council, noting the great continuity between his ideas and the pontificate of Bl. John Paul II.
Spread Christ's joy as did St Jose de Anchieta, Pope urges
Apr 24, 2014 / 14:14 pmDuring a Thanksgiving Mass for the canonization of St. Jose de Anchieta, Pope Francis spoke Thursday on the theme of joy, saying that while it can be intimidating, it is a gift of God which ought to be spread.
Friends, scholars recount sanctity of 'Good Pope John'
Apr 23, 2014 / 15:08 pmAt a conference held at the Vatican Wednesday, a scholar on Bl. John XXIII and the Pope's one-time butler both spoke about his kindness and charity ahead of his canonization, which will occur April 27 along with that of John Paul II.