Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill sign Joint Declaration

Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill meet in Havana

His Holiness Pope Francis of Rome and His Beatitude Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met today in Havana, Cuba in an unprecedented gesture between the two Churches.  The historic meeting, the first between a Pope of Rome and a Patriarch of Moscow, was followed by the signing of a Joint Declaration between the two Primates.

Text of Joint Declaration of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill

The Pope and Patriarch symbolically embraced and as reported by the New York Times:

As he approached the Russian patriarch amid the clicking of news cameras, Francis was overheard to say, “Brother.” A moment later, he added, “Finally.”
The two men embraced, kissing each other twice on the cheeks and clasping hands before taking seats. “Now things are easier,” Kirill said. Francis responded, “It is clear now that this is the will of God.”

New York Times:  Pope and Russian Orthodox Leader Meet in Historic Step

It should be noted that contrary to many reports in the media (like this NPR report) it is incorrect to state that this was the first meeting between the two Churches in a thousand years, referring to the Great Schism of 1054 which resulted in the split of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.  That first meeting took place in 1964 between Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras in Jerusalem when the mutual excommunications between the two Churches were lifted.  There have been several meetings between Popes and Patriarchs since then.

1964 and subsequent meetings between Popes and Patriarchs

His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew tweeted his prayers and subtly clarified the relevance of the meeting.

Praying for my brothers in Christ #PopeFrancis & Pat Kirill. Pleased 1964 dialogue started by Athenagoras & Paul VI continues to bear fruit.

— Ecumenical Patriarch (@EcuPatriarch) February 12, 2016

It is also relevant to point out that a thousand years ago when the two Churches split in 1054 there was no Russian Patriarch.  The Church in Russia until the 16th century was under the direct canonical authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch, it wasn't until 1589 that the Ecumenical Patriarchate granted autocephaly to the Church of Russia and we have the first Patriarch of Russia.

MYSTAGOGY: The Last Time the Head of the Russian Church Met the Pope of Rome

Nonetheless Pope Francis and Patriarch Krill's meeting today was historic not only because of the obvious implications it has on the advancement of relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches but because it bears particular historical significance in light of the upcoming Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church.  The Council, to be convened in Crete this June, will address relations between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.  The Moscow Patriarchate has often been regarded as a stumbling block in this relationship.  Not any more.

Video footage of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill's signing of the Joint Declaration.