Sadly almost all religions have had to lament the destructive occurrence of wars and their terrible consequences. They have had to devote their greatest energies to those tasks. The singular importance of the meeting between Pope Francis and His Holiness Cyril in Havana is that it has aroused the hope of the peoples of the world.

Peace has been the golden dream of humankind and the desire of peoples throughout history. Thousands of nuclear weapons hang over the heads of humankind. To prevent the most brutal of wars that could be launched has undoubtedly been the fundamental purpose of the effort by religious leaders of churches headed by men such as Pope Francis, Pontifex Maximus of the Roman Catholic Church, and His Holiness Cyril, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

To fight for peace is the most sacred duty of all human beings, whatever their religion or country of birth may be, whatever the color of their skin, adult or adolescent.

Fidel Castro Ruz

14 February 2016

10:18 p.m.