The Colombian government and FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, have announced a historic breakthrough in the ongoing peace talks to end the five-decade conflict that has killed more than 200,000 people. The agreement, brokered in Havana, establishes peace tribunals and a reconciliation commission. It is expected to be signed within six months. The announcement comes only days after Pope Francis urged the two sides to reach a peace deal during mass on Sunday in Havana’s Revolution Plaza. The chief negotiator for the Colombian government celebrated the breakthrough Thursday.

Humberto de la Calle: “I believe that we can say, without exaggerating, that Colombia is about to burst into peace. I think we have begun the countdown toward ending the war and allowing life to triumph.”