Articles by Elise Harris
Your task is to incarnate mercy, Pope Francis tells priests
Mar 24, 2016 / 03:54 amDuring Holy Thursday’s Chrism Mass Pope Francis focused on the topic of mercy, telling priests that one of their primary tasks is to make mercy visible in the same way as Jesus, who always gave it in excess.
What does it mean to be a bishop – and a Vatican diplomat?
Mar 24, 2016 / 02:04 amFor Archbishop Peter Wells, the Pope’s new ambassador to South Africa, being in the diplomatic service of the Holy See isn’t about politics or governing, but is above all a ministry centered on Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis observes moment of silence for Belgium attack victims
Mar 23, 2016 / 06:08 amIn his general audience the day after terrorist attacks in Belgium claimed the lives of at least 30 people and injured 230 more, Pope Francis led pilgrims in a moment of silent prayer for the victims and their families.
Pope Francis to wash the feet of migrants on Holy Thursday
Mar 22, 2016 / 11:42 amAfter spending previous years washing the feet of inmates and disabled persons on Holy Thursday, this year Pope Francis will celebrate the liturgy in a welcoming center for migrants and refugees.
Pope Francis grieves Belgium attacks, condemns 'blind violence'
Mar 22, 2016 / 07:49 amOn Tuesday Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of attacks at an airport and metro in Belgium, condemning the acts as “blind violence” and praying for peace.
Humility is the epitome of redemption, Pope Francis says on Palm Sunday
Mar 20, 2016 / 04:28 amOn Palm Sunday Pope Francis said the path toward salvation can be summed up by humility and service, and encouraged pilgrims to contemplate Jesus’ shameful Passion and Death throughout Holy Week.
These seminarians are being ordained – in a refugee camp
Mar 18, 2016 / 14:00 pmAfter their seminary in Qaraqosh was dissolved following a brutal ISIS attack in 2014, four Iraqi seminarians chose not to give up after being forced to flee, but to continue their path to the priesthood.
Francis: Hope is the 'humble virtue' that keeps us afloat in tough times
Mar 17, 2016 / 10:17 amIn his homily Thursday, Pope Francis spoke on the essential role hope plays in the Christian life, saying that while it is a silent and humble virtue, it is what supports us in difficulty and brings us peace.
Pope Francis to world leaders: Open your doors to migrants
Mar 16, 2016 / 05:19 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis renewed his appeal on behalf of the tens of thousands struggling to enter other countries as they flee war and violence, asking global leaders to “open their hearts” and doors to migrants and refugees.
It's official – Mother Teresa will be canonized September 4
Mar 15, 2016 / 02:57 amAfter months of anticipation, the date of Mother Teresa’s canonization has finally been announced. It falls on Sept. 4, which this year will also mark a special jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy.
What's it like to go to confession with Pope Francis?
Mar 13, 2016 / 03:02 amHave you ever wondered what it would be like to go to confession with Pope Francis?
Pope Francis' new prayer video focuses on needy families
Mar 12, 2016 / 10:28 amIn his newest prayer video Pope Francis focuses his monthly intention on families in difficulty, praying that they receive the help they need and that children can grow up in a healthy environment.
Love is the hidden service we do for others, Pope Francis says
Mar 12, 2016 / 06:00 amOn Saturday Pope Francis said that love is more than just saying nice words and doing things – it means forgetting oneself and serving others, just as Jesus did when he washed the feet of the disciples.
Pope: new annulment process has an 'eminently pastoral' goal
Mar 12, 2016 / 04:02 amOn Saturday Pope Francis told participants in course on the streamlined annulment process that the main goal of the new norms is pastoral, and seeks to reach out to families suffering from a broken marriage.
Pope Francis returns to Rome after a week of spiritual exercises
Mar 11, 2016 / 03:44 amAfter spending a week outside Rome reflecting on key questions in the Gospel during their annual Lenten retreat, Pope Francis and members of the Roman Curia returned to the Vatican Friday.
So, what are these 'Missionaries of Mercy' actually doing?
Mar 11, 2016 / 03:03 amOn Ash Wednesday Pope Francis commissioned more than 1,000 priests who were sent out around the world as ambassadors of mercy.
Pope Francis approves new rules for financial oversight of saints' causes
Mar 10, 2016 / 15:47 pmPope Francis has issued new guidelines for ensuring financial transparency in advancing causes of beatification and canonization, requiring both an administrator to oversee the process and annual budget checks.
A year after riots, Baltimore leaders unite for Rome pilgrimage
Mar 10, 2016 / 03:02 amNearly a year after violent riots erupted in West Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody, religious leaders from across the city have banded together for a pilgrimage to Rome which they hope will help them to build bridges in their community.
There's no question – the Missionaries of Charity in Yemen 'died as martyrs'
Mar 6, 2016 / 11:03 amAfter a recent attack at a Missionaries of Charity convent in Yemen claimed the lives of four of the sisters there, the bishop overseeing the area said he has no doubt they died as martyrs.
Pope: murdered Missionaries of Charity are martyrs of indifference
Mar 6, 2016 / 05:36 amOn Sunday Pope Francis lamented the world’s indifference to the recent killing of four Missionaries of Charity, calling them the ‘martyrs of today’ and asking that Bl. Mother Teresa intercede in bringing peace.