Vatican City, Sep 10, 2014 / 12:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The upcoming synod of bishops on the family will be set on a more informal tune, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, wrote in an article published in the Sept. 10 issue of L'Osservatore Romano.

Cardinal Baldisseri explained how the coming synod may be considered different from its predecessors, as well as the ongoing process of reform of the synod, whose members were made public Sept. 9.

Vatican City, Sep 9, 2014 / 01:14 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- In a recent meeting with Pope Francis, former Israeli president Shimon Peres suggested forming an “Organization of United Relations” to counter those who use religion for terroristic aims.

Peres, who stepped down as president of Israel in July, met with Pope Francis for 45 minutes and suggested that the Pope guide his proposed international organization.

Vatican City, Sep 9, 2014 / 08:54 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As Cardinal Sean Brady resigns at the customary age of 75, newly appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland Eamon Martin says he is looking forward to shepherding his new flock.

“I genuinely feel honored to assume the role of 'Shepherd' in the Archdiocese of Armagh. I look forward to serving the people of sixty-one parishes in the counties of Armagh, Derry, Louth and Tyrone,” Archbishop Martin said in a Sept. 8 statement announcing his appointment.

Vatican City, Sep 9, 2014 / 02:35 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis may visit Turkey Nov. 29-30, strengthening the links with the Orthodox Church’s Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and advancing their common commitment to ecumenism, peace and ecology.  
 
The possible papal voyage to Turkey was discussed by Nikos Tzoitis, an expert in ecumenical dialogue who had served as spokesperson of Patriarch Bartholomew, to whom he is very close.