Articles by Elise Harris
Peace can start by grabbing drinks, Pope tells Colombian youth
Sep 7, 2017 / 09:57 amSpeaking to youth in Colombia Thursday, Pope Francis urged them to move away from the violence of the past and to work toward healing and building a culture of encounter, which he said often begins simply with a drink or a cup of coffee.
Cardinal Carlo Caffarra, second of four 'dubia' cardinals, dies at 79
Sep 6, 2017 / 08:00 amOn Tuesday the Vatican announced that Cardinal Carlo Caffarra, Archbishop Emeritus of Bologna, has died at the age of 79.
'I was sure that it was Mother Teresa who healed me'
Sep 5, 2017 / 03:04 amThe Brazilian man who received the miracle allowing for Mother Teresa’s canonization says that he and his wife were ordinary believers who received an extraordinary sign of God’s mercy.
Pope tells youth to 'break the mirror' of narcissism, focus on others
Sep 4, 2017 / 08:18 amOn Monday Pope Francis told youth to steer clear of modern society's narcissistic tendencies, which he referred to as a vain “illness.” He said they should instead concentrate on helping others and on developing a healthy ability to laugh at oneself.
Pope Francis sends condolences to victims of Hurricane Harvey
Aug 31, 2017 / 07:45 amOn Thursday, Pope Francis voiced his sympathy to those suffering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey, offering prayers for the victims and rescue workers.
A little bit of 'youthful euphoria' is healthy for Christian life, Pope says
Aug 30, 2017 / 03:44 amOn Wednesday, Pope Francis told pilgrims to ignore gloomy people that drag others down, and stressed the need to maintain a healthy dose of the joy experienced in our first encounter with Christ, which he said must serve as a constant motivation to spread the good news.
EWTN launches studio at Walsingham shrine in England
Aug 29, 2017 / 13:24 pmOn Tuesday EWTN opened its first studio and office in the U.K. at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, emphasizing its role in supporting the Church's evangelization in the region.
It's official: Pope Francis to visit Myanmar, Bangladesh in November
Aug 28, 2017 / 01:00 amOn Monday the Vatican confirmed rumors that have been swirling the past few weeks about a papal visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh, announcing that Pope Francis will visit the two Asian countries Nov. 27-Dec. 2.
Pope urges 'full rights' be given to persecuted Rohingya minority
Aug 27, 2017 / 03:50 amOn Sunday Pope Francis made a fresh appeal on behalf of the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority, voicing his closeness to those suffering from recent violence, and asking that members of the ethnic group be given full rights.
Our Lady of Czestochowa is the tender queen of Poland, Pope says
Aug 26, 2017 / 05:42 amAs the highly revered image of Our Lady of Czestochowa prepares to get a new crown, Pope Francis sent a message to Poland, saying Mary in many ways is at the heart of Polish society as their tender queen and mother.
European basilicas amp up security after recent terror attacks
Aug 26, 2017 / 03:17 amFrom Spain's revered Sagrada Familia basilica to Germany and even the Vatican, churches across Europe are taking measures to increase security following several acts of terrorism in recent weeks.
Cardinal Parolin: Russia has key responsibility in brokering world peace
Aug 25, 2017 / 11:02 amAfter his recent visit to Russia, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said a key message of his overall “positive” trip was the crucial role the country plays in working for peace, which he voiced to President Vladimir Putin.
Australian priest rips confession proposal as government 'intrusion'
Aug 24, 2017 / 23:03 pmAn Australian priest has called the Royal Commission's recent proposal to enforce law requiring that clergy face criminal charges if they do not disclose details of sexual abuse revealed in the confessional a breach of religious tolerance.
Parolin, Kirill: we have reached a 'new stage' in Church relations
Aug 23, 2017 / 11:50 amAfter a joint meeting during Cardinal Pietro Parolin's visit to Russia this week, both he and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill said the trip marks “a new stage” in relations between their Churches.
For Christians, life always has meaning – even when it's hard, Pope says
Aug 23, 2017 / 03:00 amOn Wednesday, Pope Francis said going through life downcast as if it has no meaning is not the attitude of a Christian, who has the assurance that even when things look grim, there is always new hope found in Christ.
Top Vatican diplomat focuses on Ukraine, Middle East in Russia talks
Aug 22, 2017 / 09:23 amThe need to find peaceful solutions to global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, has taken a front seat so far in the Vatican Secretary of State's meetings with Russian government and Russian Orthodox Church officials.
Parolin in Russia: Vatican diplomacy has a key role in global debate
Aug 21, 2017 / 15:11 pmAs he arrived to Russia for his official three-day visit, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy See has a special role on the global scene given its attention to both spiritual and diplomatic themes.
'Arbitrary expulsions' won't solve the migration crisis, Pope says
Aug 21, 2017 / 03:00 amIn his message for the next World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis outlined a four-step vision for responding to the ongoing global migration crisis, which he said is a “sign of the times” that can't be solved by simply expelling incoming foreigners, but rather by upholding human dignity.
Pope prays for victims, rescue workers of Sierra Leone mudslide
Aug 16, 2017 / 06:54 amWith hundreds dead and nearly 600 more still missing as a result of a giant mudslide that ravished Sierra Leone's capital, Pope Francis has prayed for the victims, their families and rescue workers providing relief to those affected.
In Christ, Mary brings new joy and meaning to mankind, Pope says
Aug 15, 2017 / 03:26 amOn the Feast of the Assumption, Pope Francis said that in bringing Christ to the world, Mary also provides the joy and grace of her Son, which not only sustain us in difficulty, but are primarily intended for the weak and humble.