Articles by Elise Harris
Jesus' coming is an invitation to conversion, Pope Francis says
Dec 26, 2017 / 07:24 amOn Tuesday Pope Francis said there is a strong link between the death of St. Stephan, the Church's first martyr, and the birth of Christ, who came to offer message that is often uncomfortable and calls us to convert.
On Christmas, Pope says we see Jesus in every suffering child
Dec 25, 2017 / 09:16 amPope Francis on Christmas Day said the commemoration of Christ's birth is an occasion to remember and pray for every child who suffers due to war, poverty and inequality, each of whom bears the face of Jesus.
Pope Francis: Christmas invites us to be messengers of hope, tenderness
Dec 24, 2017 / 14:43 pmPope Francis said the birth of Jesus is an invitation for all Christians to imitate him in reaching out to embrace the vulnerable and all those who are suffering, during his celebration of Christmas Mass.
Mary is a perfect example of how to respond to God's plan, Pope says
Dec 24, 2017 / 06:23 amWith Christmas just a day away, Pope Francis said Mary's humble and modest response at the announcement of Jesus' birth reflects what our own attitude should be regarding God's plan for our lives as we prepare for the incarnation.
MLK's niece: Pro-life work continues my uncle's legacy
Dec 14, 2017 / 00:03 amAlveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and longtime pro-life advocate, has it in her blood to fight for the causes she believes in, one of which is to promote “civil rights” for the unborn.
Pope: 'La Guadalupana' shows that everyone has a place in the Church
Dec 12, 2017 / 11:28 amPope Francis marked the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Tuesday saying the "mestizo" Virgin is a concrete sign that the Church is for everyone, especially the poor and marginalized.
Vatican conference highlights role of laity in addressing modern challenges
Dec 11, 2017 / 15:12 pmLeading lay experts and top Vatican officials have joined forces this week to talk about how they can collaborate in addressing key areas of modern concern, placing a special emphasis on the role of laypeople.
Pope Francis says Our Father is poorly translated
Dec 8, 2017 / 10:40 amIn a video series for Italian television network TV2000, Pope Francis said that “lead us not into temptation” is a poorly translated line of the Our Father.
Christians in Holy Land voice fear over Trump's Jerusalem move
Dec 7, 2017 / 11:34 amChristians leaders in Jerusalem have voiced fear over the repercussionss of America's recognition of the city as Israel's capital, asking that international law be respected in the interest of maintaining peace.
Pope Francis urges world leaders to respect UN position on Jerusalem
Dec 6, 2017 / 03:37 amWith debate on the status of Jerusalem heating up in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial decision to recognize the city as the capital of Israel, Pope Francis has urged international leaders to proceed with prudence and respect for current U.N. resolutions.
Pope Francis will see a lively faith in Peru and Chile, Lima's cardinal says
Dec 5, 2017 / 11:40 amAhead of Pope Francis' trip to Chile and Peru, the Archbishop of Lima has said that the Bishop of Rome will encounter a lively faith in the countries, where there are “great expression of popular religiosity.”
Advent is a time to prioritize God, overcome indifference, Pope says
Dec 3, 2017 / 04:30 amOn Sunday Pope Francis kicked off the Church's Advent season saying it is a time to let go of the worldly distractions that take us away from God, and focus on growing closer to him through prayer and concern for others.
Pope: What I don't say in public, I say behind closed doors
Dec 2, 2017 / 16:24 pmOn his return flight from Bangladesh to Rome, Pope Francis offered journalists an insight into his communication strategy, saying that when it comes to a sensitive topic, at times he prefers to hold his tongue publicly so that his message gets across, but is more open in private conversations.
Never lose your enthusiasm, Pope tells Bangladeshi youth
Dec 2, 2017 / 03:34 amSpeaking to youth in Bangladesh, Pope Francis said he is always rejuvenated by young people, and encouraged them to never lose their sense of enthusiasm and adventure for life, even when things are hard.
Pope: the eyes of religious who serve with joy are 'indescribable'
Dec 1, 2017 / 23:59 pmIn a classic off-the-cuff speech to priests and religious in Bangladesh, Pope Francis said it's sad to see unhappy consecrated people, but he loves looking into the eyes of elderly religious who have spent their lives serving in joy, which is the essence of their vocation.
With plea for forgiveness, Pope embraces Rohingya in Bangladesh
Dec 1, 2017 / 08:12 amAfter meeting several Rohingya Muslims and hearing their stories in Bangladesh, Pope Francis uttered a moving prayer from the heart, affirming their dignity and asking forgiveness on behalf of all who persecute the Burmese minority.
Interfaith unity is more than tolerance – it needs trust, Pope says
Dec 1, 2017 / 05:34 amIn an encounter with interfaith leaders in Bangladesh, Pope Francis stressed the need to join together in promoting mutual respect and combating religiously-justified violence, saying this cannot be achieved through mere tolerance, but requires real knowledge and trust of the other.
Pope kicks off Bangladesh visit with call to action on Rohingya crisis
Nov 30, 2017 / 05:44 amPope Francis arrived in Bangladesh with words of praise for the humanitarian assistance the nation has given to Rohingya Muslim refugees, and urged greater action on their behalf from the international community.
Burmese bishops say despite pressure, Suu Kyi has their support
Nov 29, 2017 / 10:56 amAs international criticism mounts for Burmese leader Aung Sun Suu Kyi over perceived inaction on the nation's Rohingya refugee crisis, Catholic bishops say they support her, fearing too much pressure could lead to a collapse of their newly-formed democracy, which is still struggling to take root.
Pope to Burmese bishops: Healing must be a pastoral priority
Nov 29, 2017 / 04:39 amIn a meeting with the bishops leading Burma's small Catholic community, Pope Francis stressed the need to prioritize healing and pastoral accompaniment as the nation continues to reel from both past and present conflicts.