Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Krill of Moscow and All Russia sign an historic joint de

Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Krill of Moscow and All Russia met in Havana, Cuba on February 12 to sign an historic joint declaration.

The historic declaration determine to undertake necessary steps to overcome the historical divergences. This meeting was to re-establish the unity and a sign of hope for all people of goodwill.

In a joint declaration both the leaders call upon the international community to act urgently in order to prevent the further expulsion of Christians from the Middle East as in many countries of the Middle East and North Africa Christians have become victims of persecution.

Recalling the violence in Syria and Iraq, they have urged the international community to seek an end to the violence and terrorism and, at the same time, to contribute through dialogue to a swift return to civil peace. Large–scale humanitarian aid must be assured to the afflicted populations and to the many refugees seeking safety in neighbouring lands.

Both the leaders urged Catholics and Orthodox living in different countries to learn to live together in peace and love.

Further, this meeting raises a hope of reconciliation wherever tensions exist between Greek Catholics and Orthodox.