It is believed that since the East-West schism of 1054 the heads of the two Christian churches have never come together. This specific meeting could be the beginning of a more consolidated Christianity. In the joint declaration signed after the meeting, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill asserted the principle of unity and brotherhood of both catholic and orthodox churches through the profound words “we are not competitors, but brothers.” As leaders and role models for the Christians around the world, by embracing and kissing one another three times on the cheek as they met, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill set an example in taking all necessary measures to overcome all catholic and orthodox historical differences. According to Russian Patriarch,
