Articles by Elise Harris
Personal notes underscore John Paul II's Marian devotion
Mar 12, 2014 / 05:02 amIn private letters of Bl. John Paul II which have been published by his former secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the pontiff reflects on the three theological virtues, emphasizing that Mary is the highest example of each.
Vatican celebrates Pope's anniversary with virtual book
Mar 11, 2014 / 07:38 amIn honor of the one year anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as Bishop of Rome, the Vatican website has published a special online book, compiled of various phrases he has spoken throughout the year.
Unburned letters of John Paul II reveal richness of Trinity
Mar 11, 2014 / 05:09 amThe personal notes of JPII published by former secretary Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, which the pontiff asked to be burned, reveal the depth of the Blessed's keen knowledge of the mystery of the Trinity.
Papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo now open to public
Mar 10, 2014 / 10:34 amKnown as the Barberini Gardens, the historic area of Castel Gandalfo has been declared open to the general public by Pope Francis, with tours available for those who are interested.
Vatican confirms papal visit to South Korea
Mar 10, 2014 / 07:32 amIn a statement released earlier this morning, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi confirmed Pope Francis’ apostolic trip to the Republic of Korea, which is slated to occur in August of this year.
Pope Francis on Lenten retreat with members of Curia
Mar 10, 2014 / 04:32 amOn Sunday afternoon Pope Francis left Rome with members of the Curia to spend their annual Lenten retreat in the hillside town of Ariccia, breaking from the tradition of holding it inside of the Vatican.
In rare interview, Benedict XVI recalls life of John Paul II
Mar 7, 2014 / 17:02 pmIn lengthy excerpts of an interview published in an Italian newspaper, Benedict XVI speaks of his time collaborating with John Paul II, highlighting the deceased Pope's sanctity and commitment to the truth.
Pope: we will be judged by our behavior towards others
Mar 7, 2014 / 14:30 pmPope Francis dedicated his daily homily to the virtue of charity, stressing that we shouldn't be “ashamed” to touch those who suffer, and cautioned against turning our faith into a mere ritual.
Priest clarifies misconceptions on Pope's civil union remarks
Mar 7, 2014 / 10:13 amA priest connected with the Vatican press office addressed Pope Francis' recent words on civil unions in an interview, noting that his comments were general and did not imply a change in Church doctrine.
Burning of JPII's letters would be senseless, cardinal says
Mar 7, 2014 / 04:05 amCardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz addressed his controversial publishing of letters which John Paul II asked to be burned, affirming that the decision is prudent as the letters are “a good for humanity.”
Path of self-denial brings joy, fruitfulness, Pope reflects
Mar 6, 2014 / 16:05 pmIn his daily homily Pope Francis spoke of the Christian “style,” explaining that in order to be authentic, it must follow the path of Jesus in denying oneself, taking up the Cross, and practicing humility.
Pope Francis to Roman priests: cry for your people
Mar 6, 2014 / 11:33 amPope Francis met with the priests of Rome, emphasizing the importance of mercy in pastoral ministry and explaining that to be a priest means being close to one's flock.
In interview Pope talks marriage, family, scandals and life
Mar 6, 2014 / 08:47 amAs part of a recent interview given to an Italian news agency, Pope Francis discussed hot-button issues in the Church today, giving clarity to topics which have often been misinterpreted since his election.
Lent is a 'strong' time of conversion, Pope Francis reflects
Mar 5, 2014 / 12:46 pmDuring his general audience on Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis called Lent a moment of renewal which allows us to look at the needs of others with “new eyes,” and to grow in love.
Pope: More martyrs exist today than in the early Church
Mar 4, 2014 / 14:56 pmIn his daily homily Pope Francis called persecution a “reality” of Christian life, challenging faithful to take up the cross and noting that we are never given more than we can handle.
Portland, Ore. diocese receives new auxiliary bishop
Mar 4, 2014 / 10:10 amThe Vatican announced earlier this morning that Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Peter Leslie Smith to assist in leading the archdiocese of Portland, Ore. as their new auxiliary bishop.
European publisher launches new Pope Francis magazine
Mar 3, 2014 / 17:24 pmOne of the largest publishing companies in Europe is releasing a first-ever weekly magazine dedicated entirely to Pope Francis due to the impact his pontificate has had in the world over the last year.
Holy See ratifies agreement with Republic of Burundi
Mar 3, 2014 / 15:34 pmLast week Vatican officials met with representatives of the Republic of Burundi to discuss an agreement made between the countries in 2012, officially implementing the agreement's stipulations.
Pope prays that youth will respond freely to vocational call
Mar 3, 2014 / 12:04 pmIn his daily homily Pope Francis said many youth are too attached to worldly things to answer God's call, and encouraged prayers for them to “empty” themselves in order to respond with generosity.
Last Von Trapp singer, who served as missionary, dies at 99
Mar 1, 2014 / 16:06 pmOn Feb. 18 Maria Franziska von Trapp passed away after spending her life as a performer alongside her six siblings, and later as a lay-missionary with her step-mother in Papua New Guinea.