MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Relations between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches are entering a new stage in the wake of last year's meeting between the leaders of the two branches of Christianity, Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill said Tuesday while meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
"Indeed, our relations entered a new stage of development, filled with important events. In Havana we agreed positions on very important contemporary problems and the common vision lets us design the respective plans and fill them with real content," Patriarch Kirill said.
Moreover, the Russian Orthodox Church has agreed with the Catholic Church to cooperate on humanitarian aid to civilians affected by Middle Eastern military conflicts.
On February 12, 2016, Cuba’s capital hosted an unprecedented meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill, which resulted in adoption of a joint statement.
Parolin started his four-day trip to Russia on Monday. The agenda of his visit includes meetings with Russian leadership and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church to discuss bilateral and international issues.