Articles by Elise Harris
When it comes to migration, children are the first to suffer, Pope says
Oct 13, 2016 / 04:49 amAs images of children crushed by bombs or washed up at sea are becoming an increasingly daily sight, Pope Francis’ decision to focus his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on child migrants rings in as particularly timely and appropriate.
Pope Francis announces new consistory to coincide with close of Jubilee
Oct 9, 2016 / 03:39 amOn Sunday Pope Francis announced that he will hold a consistory of cardinals on the Nov. 19 vigil of the close of the Jubilee of Mercy, during which he will elevate 17 new cardinals – including three Americans.
Pope Francis: the most godlike people might not be who you expect
Oct 9, 2016 / 02:55 amAt the close of the Marian Jubilee, Pope Francis said that it’s often strangers and even people from other religions who remind us of the Christian virtues of humility and thanksgiving, of which Mary is a prime model.
Mary imitated God through service, Pope says
Oct 8, 2016 / 09:49 amDuring a special Jubilee weekend dedicated to Mary, Pope Francis said Mary was not only Christ’s mother, but also his obedient disciple and a model of concrete service to others.
Sistine Chapel Choir releases new album for Jubilee of Mercy
Oct 7, 2016 / 14:00 pmFor the second year in a row the Sistine Chapel Choir has recorded an album inside the chapel of its namesake, this year selecting pieces by Palestrina that focus on mercy in honor of the Jubilee.
Pope offers prayer, support for a Haiti devastated by hurricane Matthew
Oct 7, 2016 / 05:39 amAfter Hurricane Matthew killed more than 300 people and left thousands more homeless, Pope Francis has written a telegram assuring his prayer and spiritual closeness to all those affected by the disaster.
Despite hiccups, Pope Francis and Welby committed to unity
Oct 6, 2016 / 03:20 amPope Francis and Anglican Primate Archbishop Welby have signed a joint-declaration emphasizing that while topics such as homosexuality and the ordination of women still constitute points of division, they are committed to working together in their pursuit of full unity.
The Pope's latest prayer intention? That journalists be truthful
Oct 4, 2016 / 08:27 amIn his latest prayer video Pope Francis dedicates the month of October to praying for journalists – specifically that their work would always be motivated by strong ethics and respect for the truth.
Dioceses of Anchorage, Arlington get new bishops
Oct 4, 2016 / 04:16 amPope Francis has tapped two active bishops to head new dioceses, naming Bishop Paul D. Etienne of Cheyenne as the new Archbishop of Anchorage, Alaska, and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh as Bishop of Arlington, Virginia.
Pope Francis makes surprise visit to Amatrice to pray for earthquake victims
Oct 4, 2016 / 02:03 amOn Tuesday Pope Francis made an unannounced private visit to the small Italian city of Amatrice to offer support areas devastated by a massive earthquake in August, where he offered a message of comfort and hope.
Pope Francis: Love those who struggle, but don't push gender theory on kids
Oct 2, 2016 / 14:55 pmOn his way back from Georgia and Azerbaijan Pope Francis criticized what he called the “wicked” push of gender theory in schools, but stressed that individuals who struggle with their sexual identity ought to be treated with mercy, as Jesus would do.
Pope Francis green-lights opening of Fr. Jacques Hamel beatification process
Oct 2, 2016 / 11:07 amThe French diocese of Rouen has officially begun an inquiry into the beatification of French priest Jacques Hamel, killed by Islamic extremists earlier this summer, after receiving a note from Pope Francis waiving the traditional five-year waiting period.
Civil society must guarantee religious freedom, Pope says in Azerbaijan
Oct 2, 2016 / 07:21 amIn his final speech in Azerbaijan, Pope Francis spoke at length praising the good interreligious relations in the country, but also cautioned that religion must always be respected in civil society, and can never be used as a tool to justify violence.
In Azerbaijan, Pope says faith, service weave Christian life together
Oct 2, 2016 / 00:31 amPope Francis celebrated Mass immediately after landing in Azerbaijan Sunday, telling faithful gathered in the small church that faith and service are the heart of Christian life, woven together like the different threads of a carpet.
Pope Francis tells fellow Argentines he won’t make it home in 2017
Oct 1, 2016 / 09:01 amIn a special message to his fellow countrymen, Pope Francis said that despite his great desire to return home, he won’t be able to go in 2017, as previously hoped, due to commitments in Asia and Africa.
Pope in Georgia blasts gender theory as the 'great enemy' of marriage
Oct 1, 2016 / 06:57 amIn a lengthy, off-the-cuff speech in Georgia, Pope Francis said the world today is at war with marriage, and urged couples to fight against modern threats to the sacrament such as gender theory.
In Georgia, Pope says true peace is built on justice, mutual respect
Sep 30, 2016 / 05:25 amPope Francis landed in Georgia Friday, telling leaders of the former Soviet republic that peace is urgent in today’s troubled world, and can only be achieved by the pursuit of justice and mutual respect for the sovereign rights of every nation.
Pope condemns 'arrogant' abuse of power that leads to war, violence
Sep 29, 2016 / 09:26 amIn a passionate speech on Thursday, Pope Francis condemned as arrogant the mentality of revenge and the abuses of power that lead to violent conflicts.
God’s mercy overcomes human desperation, Pope Francis says
Sep 28, 2016 / 03:34 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis said that Jesus’ salvific mission reaches its culmination on the Cross in his conversation with the two thieves crucified with him, showing that God’s mercy goes beyond the desperation of human suffering, responding to it with mercy and forgiveness.
For Cardinal Parolin, Colombia's peace deal the start of 'a better future'
Sep 27, 2016 / 11:31 amVatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin praised the signing of a peace agreement in Colombia on Monday, telling Colombians that a better future is possible, while also stressing that reconciliation is a commitment everyone must make, and which begins with those who have suffered.