URGENT UPDATE: Today marks a significant moment in religious history as Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, in Havana, Cuba. This meeting, occurring on February 12, 2016, represents the first direct engagement between a sitting Pope and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, bridging a divide that has persisted for nearly a millennium.
The implications of this meeting are profound, highlighting efforts toward unity within Christianity after a schism that dates back to the Great Schism of 1054. This gathering could pave the way for future dialogues and collaborations between the two major branches of Christianity.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: As global tensions rise and the world faces numerous crises, the necessity for unity and understanding among faiths is more critical than ever. The Pope’s outreach to the Russian Orthodox Church signals hope for collaborative efforts in addressing humanitarian issues and fostering peace in a divided world.
Also significant on this date throughout history, in 1554, Lady Jane Grey, who claimed the English throne for nine days, was executed. In 1809, the birth of Abraham Lincoln in Kentucky marked the beginning of a legacy that would forever change America.
In 1909, the founding of the NAACP in New York City laid the groundwork for civil rights movements in the United States. The groundbreaking of the Lincoln Memorial occurred in 1914, a tribute to a President who fought for unity.
In more recent history, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán was convicted in 2019 for his role in an extensive drug smuggling operation, highlighting ongoing issues within global drug trafficking.
Today, as we reflect on these historic events, we also celebrate the birthdays of influential figures including director Costa-Gavras (93), author Judy Blume (88), and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh (61), reminding us of the diverse impacts individuals can have across various fields.
As this story develops, stay tuned for further updates on the outcomes of this historic meeting and its potential effects on global religious relations.
