Articles by Elise Harris
A personal look at Fatima's saintly Sister Lucia
May 9, 2017 / 23:01 pmFatima visionary Lucia dos Santos was saintly woman – not because she saw visions of Mary, but because of her raw humanity, simplicity, and even her sense of humor, says the cardinal who opened her cause for canonization.
Pope Francis warns against 'false wisdom' that distracts from God
May 7, 2017 / 04:57 amReflecting on the image of the Good Shepherd, Pope Francis said his is the only voice that leads us to safety and friendship with God, and cautioned against the false wisdom of those who confuse and deter us from this path.
Pope urges new priests to serve with joy, never sadness
May 7, 2017 / 02:37 amOn Sunday Pope Francis ordained 10 men to the priesthood, telling them to imitate Jesus in every aspect of their ministry, so as to avoid hypocrisy and draw near to their people, always serving with the joy that comes from being united to Christ.
Cardinal Farrell: Let's talk about the beauty of the family
May 6, 2017 / 15:02 pmThe Vatican's point-man on family and life issues says rather than just complaining about problems we see in society, we need to focus on the Church's rich, beautiful take on marriage and the family.
The Swiss Guard is more than an army – it's a school of faith
May 6, 2017 / 09:46 amAs 40 new Swiss Guards take an oath to defend and protect Pope Francis, their commander has emphasized that their role is not only to be a security force, but has a spiritual aspect as well.
Pope Francis: 'The world is at war,' but good still remains
May 6, 2017 / 08:05 amIn a lengthy, off-the-cuff Q&A session with students, Pope Francis said a “culture of destruction” has spread throughout the world, but there is still good in the world, although it often goes unnoticed.
Pilgrimages to Fatima are on the uptick
May 6, 2017 / 05:08 amOver the past 10 years the Fatima shrine has seen an uptick in the number of pilgrims who visit from all over the world, particularly from Asia.
Vatican, Myanmar officially establish diplomatic ties
May 4, 2017 / 12:01 pmIn a meeting Thursday between Pope Francis and Myanmar's Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, the two cemented their diplomatic relationship, agreeing to send ambassadors to each other's countries.
After visit, Pope Francis says Egypt is a 'sign of hope'
May 3, 2017 / 03:30 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis recalled his recent visit to Egypt, saying that given its rich biblical and cultural history, the country is a sign of hope, and has a special role to play in brokering peace in the Middle East.
Papal visit completes anniversary celebrations, Fatima bishop says
May 3, 2017 / 02:10 amAfter a whirlwind trip to Egypt last week, Pope Francis in just 10 days will head to Portugal for the centenary celebration of the Marian apparitions of Fatima, where anticipation is building for the visit of the “bishop in white.”
Order of Malta elects interim Grand Master amid ongoing reform
Apr 29, 2017 / 08:37 amThe Order of Malta elected Fra Giacomo Dalla Torre as their interim Grand Master as the latest move in the ongoing reform their leadership, which the bulk of his one-year mandate will focus on.
Pope tells Egypt religious to never fear or flee from the cross
Apr 29, 2017 / 06:44 amPope Francis told Egypt’s priests and religious to never be discouraged or fear the challenges of their ministry, and warned against seven key temptations he said can keep them from being faithful to the Lord in their daily tasks.
Our martyrs' blood unites us, Francis tells Coptic Orthodox patriarch
Apr 28, 2017 / 10:39 amPope Francis closed his first day in Egypt with a visit to Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II, telling him their Churches are bonded by the blood of their martyrs, and are called to further cement this bond with acts of charity.
Pope tells Egypt's authorities they have key role in brokering peace
Apr 28, 2017 / 09:14 amShortly after landing in Egypt on Friday, Pope Francis denounced violent fundamentalism in his speech to civil authorities, telling them they have a special role in helping quell extremism.
Vatican praised, cautioned on dialogue with al-Azhar university
Apr 27, 2017 / 20:01 pmA leading scholar in the Arab world has applauded the goodwill of both the Vatican and the prestigious Islamic al-Azhar university Pope Francis will visit for aiming to increase Catholic-Muslim dialogue.
In TED talk, Pope says sowing solidarity will reap hope for the future
Apr 26, 2017 / 01:15 amEarly Wednesday morning Pope Francis addressed the TED 2017 conference, telling participants that to have a hopeful outlook for the future, we must plant seeds of humility, solidarity and tenderness today.
Mercy is key to the life of faith, Pope Francis says
Apr 23, 2017 / 03:45 amOn Divine Mercy Sunday Pope Francis said mercy is essential in living the Christian life, because it not only allows us to understand ourselves and God better, but it also prompts us to recognize and help those in need.
Who conquers the devil's hatred? God's new martyrs, Pope says
Apr 22, 2017 / 10:52 amThe devil’s hatred for Christ and for our redemption is the root cause of all persecution since the beginnings of the Church, Pope Francis said at a special liturgy that focused on modern martyrs.
How the upcoming canonization affirms the Fatima apparitions
Apr 21, 2017 / 02:02 amThe canonization of Fatima visionaries Francisco and Jacinta Marto has been hailed as an exciting moment for the Church, but the rector of the Marian shrine has said that it bears an even greater significance in terms of putting a spotlight on Our Lady's message.
Niece of Fatima visionaries reflects on her remarkable family
Apr 20, 2017 / 05:00 amThe niece of Blessed Franciso and Jacinta Marto has voiced excitement for the coming canonization of her relatives, sharing stories of the time of the Fatima apparitions and personal memories of what it was like growing up in a family that had saints among its members.