Articles by Elise Harris
Thirteen years after his death, John Paul II continues to inspire, friend says
Apr 3, 2018 / 09:04 amThirteen years after the death of St. John Paul II, a close friend and colleague of the beloved Polish pope said the pontiff's vast legacy and influence can still be felt, and is a source of inspiration for the world.
Death doesn't have the final word, Pope Francis says on Easter
Apr 1, 2018 / 03:25 amDuring his Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing, Pope Francis said Jesus' death and resurrection provide hope to a world marred by conflict, proving that modern tragedies such as war and violence won't have the final say.
On Easter, Pope asks: How will you respond to the resurrection?
Apr 1, 2018 / 02:30 amOn Easter morning Pope Francis said God's announcement to his people always comes as a surprise, like the shock of the disciples who found Jesus' tomb empty after his resurrection, and told Christians not to waste time responding to the good news they've been given.
Prisoners in Rome thank Francis for 'making sure we're not forgotten'
Mar 31, 2018 / 12:40 pmPope Francis' Holy Thursday Mass at a prison in Rome was more than just another event for the inmates who participated – it was a sign that while invisible to the world outside, they had not been forgotten.
At Stations of the Cross, Pope asks for grace to be ashamed of our sins
Mar 30, 2018 / 13:38 pmDuring his annual Good Friday Via Crucis at the Colosseum, Pope Francis made a heartfelt prayer asking God to give Christians the grace to be ashamed of their sins, to repent and beg for mercy, and to have hope that his love is stronger than death.
How American seminarians in Rome celebrate Holy Week
Mar 30, 2018 / 11:35 amFor American seminarians at the Pontifical North American college in Rome, Holy Week liturgies take on new life and dimension, as the history of ancient traditions comes alive through the city’s remembrance of Christ's Passion and death.
On Good Friday, papal preacher tells youth to run toward love of Christ
Mar 30, 2018 / 09:06 amPapal preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa dedicated his Good Friday homily to young people, comparing them to the apostle John and urging them to have the courage to go in the opposite direction of the selfishness of the world, running instead toward the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross.
Analysis: Francis, China, and the art of the deal
Mar 28, 2018 / 11:00 amIf Vatican-brokered agreements negotiated under his leadership are any indication, it seems clear that when a deal is on the table, Pope Francis usually tries to take it.
New San Francisco auxiliary bishop 'delighted' by appointment
Mar 28, 2018 / 05:36 amOn Wednesday the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has named Fr. Robert F. Christian, O.P., a Dominican friar and a native of San Francisco, as the next auxiliary bishop for his home diocese in California.
Pope Francis: A person transformed by Christ cannot be corrupt
Mar 28, 2018 / 04:00 amThe Easter Triduum is the most important time of year for Christians, Pope Francis said Wednesday, and stressed that those who truly allow themselves to be transformed by Jesus' resurrection, while still being sinners, cannot be corrupt.
Nothing can stifle the joy of the Gospel, Pope says on Palm Sunday
Mar 25, 2018 / 03:09 amJesus was the first target of “fake news” spread by those who wanted spin and twist his message for their own benefit, Pope Francis said Palm Sunday, but stressed that despite the pride and skepticism of some, nothing can dampen the joy of Christ's message or his Resurrection.
Youth say they want a Church that's transparent, up-to-date
Mar 24, 2018 / 08:11 amAt the end of a week-long meeting held at the Vatican, young people from around the world have urged the Church to be more authentic, modern and creative in the way it interacts with young people, and in addressing controversial contemporary issues.
In South Sudan, 'the body of Christ is bleeding,' bishop says
Mar 23, 2018 / 11:43 amOn Friday an ecumenical delegation from South Sudan met privately with Pope Francis and again invited him to visit the war-torn nation, which they said is in desperate need of hope as the situation becomes more dire.
Cardinal Tong says opposing Vatican-China deal is 'unreasonable'
Mar 23, 2018 / 04:00 amCardinal John Tong Hon has voiced support for a proposed deal on the appointment of bishops between the Vatican and China, saying he believes the Chinese government has generally become more tolerant, and an accord would help bring further openness and unity to the Church.
African youth bring zeal to pre-Synod gathering
Mar 21, 2018 / 10:26 amSeveral young people from across Africa have voiced their excitement at being able to participate in the Vatican's pre-synod meeting, which they say will give them a chance to be heard and will provide the courage to confront the challenges they face at home.
Top Vatican communications officer resigns after 'Lettergate' fiasco
Mar 21, 2018 / 04:42 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Msgr. Dario Edoardo Vigano as prefect of the Secretariat for Communications in wake of what has been dubbed by many as the 'Lettergate' scandal, which has dominated Catholic media the past week.
Pope Francis will travel to Dublin Aug. 25-26 for family gathering
Mar 21, 2018 / 03:40 amDuring his Wednesday general audience Pope Francis was presented with the official icon for the World Meeting of Families, announcing afterward that he will travel to Dublin, Ireland, from Aug. 25-26.
'We are the Church of hope' - Vatican youth delegates speak up
Mar 20, 2018 / 15:00 pmYoung people from around the world have begun a meeting at the Vatican by voicing their hopes and expectations from the Church regarding the challenges they face and the questions life poses.
If a bishop doesn't pray, he's not doing his job, Pope Francis says
Mar 19, 2018 / 12:17 pmPope Francis marked Monday's Solemnity of St. Joseph by ordaining three new bishops, telling them prayer is a primary ecclesial duty, and if they do not maintain a strong spiritual life, they are not fulfilling their vocation.
Pope encourages young people to ask tough questions at pre-synod launch
Mar 19, 2018 / 09:43 amPope Francis opened this week's pre-synod meeting telling youth to hold nothing back and to have the courage to ask the “raw” and direct questions about life, love, and vocation.