Articles by Elise Harris
Pope leaves voicemail for Carmelite nuns on New Years
Jan 7, 2014 / 05:38 amOn New Year’s Eve, Pope Francis called a community of Carmelite sisters in Lucena, Spain to wish them a happy new year, and when they didn’t answer, he left a message saying that he would call back.
Journey of the Magi symbolizes 'destiny' of man, says Pope
Jan 6, 2014 / 04:48 amIn his homily for the feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis described how our lives are a continuous search to encounter “the Light” of Jesus, urging that we be “cunning” in our defense against darkness.
Respond to divorced Catholics with love, theologians urge
Dec 18, 2013 / 02:02 amThe Catholic Church must reach out to Catholics who are divorced and remarried to let them know they are welcome even if they cannot receive the sacraments, several theologians have noted.
Don't be 'allergic' to preaching the truth, Pope warns
Dec 13, 2013 / 10:02 amIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis cautioned Christians not to be overly-critical of those who preach the Gospel, emphasizing that focusing too much on personal precepts keeps us from being happy.
Benedict XVI still in the service of St. Peter, colleague says
Dec 13, 2013 / 05:22 amManfred Lütz, a close colleague of Benedict XVI, revealed in a recent interview that he is still in contact with retired pontiff, who still considers himself in the service of the Church, and of Pope Francis.
Fraternity is the 'foundation' of peace, Pope's message says
Dec 12, 2013 / 10:26 amPope Francis' first message for the World Day of Peace was issued today by the Vatican, revealing the pontiff's special emphasis on fostering greater global fraternity in the process of obtaining peace.
God speaks to us 'with the voice of a child,' Pope reflects
Dec 12, 2013 / 07:11 amDuring his daily Mass Pope Francis reflected on how God lowers himself to converse on our level, and encouraged those present to make more moments of silence in order to prepare for the birth of Jesus.
Pope Francis proclaimed TIME's 2013 'Person of the Year'
Dec 11, 2013 / 09:18 amOn this morning's episode of “Today Show” Time Magazine announced their choice of Pope Francis for the 2013 “Person of the Year,” stating that he is changing the “tone and perception” of the Church.
Mary’s 'embrace' shows unity of the Americas, says Pope
Dec 11, 2013 / 06:26 amAt the end of his general audience, Pope Francis reflected on tomorrow’s feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, extending his greetings to all on the American continent.
Pope: Final Judgment brings comfort, despite our fears
Dec 11, 2013 / 05:11 amIn his general audience Pope Francis reflected that the reality of the Final Judgment allows us to trust in God even if we are afraid, emphasizing also that our judgment begins each day through the way we live.
Do not fear the tender consolation of God, Pope says
Dec 10, 2013 / 11:24 amPope Francis dedicated his homily this morning to discussing the consolation of God, noting that it brings hope and that we should be open to the comfort that he desires to give each of us personally.
Vatican launches global campaign to fight 'scandal' of hunger
Dec 10, 2013 / 05:52 amCaritas International has initiated their first global campaign to eradicate hunger, promoting the basic human right to food, and encouraging fraternal solidarity in ensuring that everyone has enough.
Priest lauds Pope's commitment to protection of children
Dec 9, 2013 / 14:07 pmThe founder of a new center aiding victims of abuse and their families praised the “courageous” actions of Pope Francis in facing the issue, stressing also the importance of helping victims to heal.
Pope urges Egyptian Christians to 'Be strong, do not fear!'
Dec 9, 2013 / 06:41 amPope Francis concelebrated his daily Mass this morning with the Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria, offering prayers for peace, and renewing his call for religious freedom throughout the Middle East.
Pope Francis lauds Mandela's creation of a 'new South Africa'
Dec 6, 2013 / 11:54 amAfter the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis issued a letter offering condolences to his family and praising the politician’s commitment to promoting human dignity.
Mandela’s legacy is one of 'reconciliation,' priest says
Dec 6, 2013 / 05:58 amIn wake of the passing of Nelson Mandela, spokesman for South Africa’s Episcopal Conference lauded his political achievements, stating that he will be remembered most for his work in fostering unity.
Vatican launches new commission for the protection of minors
Dec 5, 2013 / 07:34 amEarlier today, Pope Francis accepted the proposal for a new commission which will advise him on the protection of children from abuse, as well as how to offer help to those who are already victims.
Schedule of Pope's Advent, Christmas liturgies released
Dec 5, 2013 / 03:05 amThe Vatican has issued the calendar of all liturgical celebrations that Pope Francis is slated to preside over during the Advent and Christmas seasons, extending through January of 2014.
Pope: 'seed of eternity' has been planted in our hearts
Dec 4, 2013 / 05:37 amDuring his general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the resurrection of the body, explaining that we are “imprinted” with eternal life, which we are able to experience even now through the sacraments.
Ukrainian Church an example of 'synodality' for Pope
Dec 3, 2013 / 14:47 pmThe head of the Ukrainian Church revealed that in a recent private meeting with Pope Francis, the pontiff praised the structure of Eastern Churches for their emphasis on collaboration among bishops.