Articles by Elise Harris
Pope in Burma: Peace requires justice, respect for human rights
Nov 28, 2017 / 04:13 amIn a major speech in Burma, Pope Francis told the nation's leaders to leave conflict behind and work for peace by promoting justice and respect for the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Five things to look for during Francis' trip to Burma, Bangladesh
Nov 27, 2017 / 11:15 amOn Monday Pope Francis touched down in Yangon for what will likely be a politically charged and religiously significant six-day trip bringing him to both Burma and Bangladesh as the two countries face an escalating refugee crisis.
Vatican official calls Trump's Haiti move 'a sad decision'
Nov 24, 2017 / 09:26 amOne of the Vatican's top diplomatic voices has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to end the Temporary Protected Status of thousands of Haitians taking refuge in the U.S., saying the country isn't yet ready for the influx after a slew of natural disasters devastated the island nation.
Pope on migration: Peace isn't possible unless we go beyond polemics
Nov 24, 2017 / 04:01 amWhen it comes to migration, Pope Francis said the world, particularly Christians, must approach the issue with a “contemplative gaze” that goes beyond polemics and is guided by justice and solidarity, helping to build peace at both the global and local level.
Pope prays for peace, victims of war in Congo and South Sudan
Nov 23, 2017 / 10:09 amWith plans to visit South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year thwarted by ongoing conflict, Pope Francis on Thursday led a prayer vigil for peace in the two countries, asking for an end to war and comfort for victims of the violence.
Pope: Ideological colonization is 'blasphemy' that leads to persecution
Nov 22, 2017 / 11:22 amOn Tuesday, Pope Francis blasted what he has often referred to as “ideological colonization,” which he said is a sin against God that leads to persecution.
China, Vatican use 'diplomacy of art' to foster relations
Nov 21, 2017 / 12:00 pmRelations with mainland China have long been an interest for the Holy See, and the Vatican Museums have now partnered with a Chinese cultural institute in hopes of building stronger ties with the country through art.
Dioceses of Nashville, Jefferson City get new bishops
Nov 21, 2017 / 05:34 amOn Tuesday, the Vatican announced Pope Francis' appointment of Fr. Shawn McKnight as the next bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, and Msgr. Mark Spalding as the new leader of the Diocese of Nashville.
Two years later, aunt of drowned refugee child pleads for action
Nov 20, 2017 / 16:20 pm“We're still grieving” – these are the words of Tima Kurdi, the aunt of the young refugee boy who captured the world’s attention when he drowned trying to cross the Aegean Sea two years ago.
Pope: Are you afraid of God? If so, you don't really know who he is
Nov 19, 2017 / 05:52 amPope Francis on Sunday cautioned against having a “mistaken” idea of God as harsh and punishing, saying this fear will end up paralyzing us and preventing us from doing good, rather than spreading his love and mercy.
Pope Francis: the poor are our 'passport to paradise'
Nov 19, 2017 / 02:34 amOn the first World Day for the Poor, Pope Francis said caring for the needy has a saving power, because in them we see the face of Christ, and urged Christians to overcome indifference and seek ways to actively love the poor that they meet.
Compassion is the heart of healthcare, Pope Francis says
Nov 18, 2017 / 05:59 amPope Francis on Saturday sent a message to health workers and organizations, saying compassion is the heart of what they do, and stressed the need for a more equitable distribution resources and services throughout the world.
Pope: not everything technically possible is morally acceptable
Nov 18, 2017 / 05:06 amOn Saturday Pope Francis praised the achievements of scientific and technological advancements, but cautioned that developments in the field have limits, and should be founded above all on the good of the human person.
In Syria there are more deaths from lack of healthcare than from bombs
Nov 17, 2017 / 10:52 amThough the Syrian civil war has de-escalated in recent months, the Holy See's nuncio to the country says its problems are far from over, particularly regarding healthcare, with more people dying from a lack of proper medical care than from bombs.
Who was Albino Luciani, the ‘smiling pope’?
Nov 17, 2017 / 03:01 amLast week Albino Luciani, better known by his papal name, John Paul I, took the next step on the path to sainthood. Yet apart from the fame garnered by various theories that sprouted due to the enigmatic nature of his death, for many little is known of his saintly life and brief pontificate.
End of life care must acknowledge our mortality, Francis reminds physicians
Nov 16, 2017 / 15:05 pmIn a message to medical professionals Thursday, Pope Francis said that when it comes to end-of-life care, treatments should always be based on human dignity and with the patient's best interests in mind.
Climate change a problem we can't ignore, Pope Francis says
Nov 16, 2017 / 12:08 pmPope Francis sent a message Thursday to a conference on climate change, telling participants the problem is something that can't be ignored, but must be met with a proactive desire to develop effective solutions.
Pope Francis makes surprise visit to the poor outside St Peter's Square
Nov 16, 2017 / 10:58 amPope Francis on Thursday made an unannounced visit to a small makeshift medical center in front of St. Peter's Square where poor and homeless people are receiving free treatment ahead of this weekend's World Day for the Poor.
Pope Francis got a Lamborghini, and he's auctioning it for charity
Nov 15, 2017 / 05:09 amOn Wednesday, Pope Francis became the new owner of a papal-themed Lamborghini Huracán, which was given to him by company executives at the Vatican and will be auctioned off for charity.
Pope prays for victims of massive earthquake on Iran-Iraq border
Nov 13, 2017 / 06:41 amAfter an earthquake along the Iraq-Iran border left some 340 people dead and another 4,000 injured, Pope Francis voiced his sorrow for the loss of life and offered prayer for the dead and for rescue efforts.