Pope Francis met with Russian
Orthodox Patriarch Kirill at Havana Airport prior to a seven-day
trip in Mexico.
The pope and Kirill warmly embraced at the airport.
The pair exchanged an affectionate greeting and sat one
beside the other in front of dozens of photographers and
cameramen who had been admitted to the public part of the
meeting.
Also present were Metropolitan Hilarion and Cardinal Kurt
Koch.
Shortly before the historic meeting, the first after a
1,000-year-old schism, the pope tweeted "today is a day of
grace. The meeting with Patriarch Kirill is a gift from God.
Pray for us".
Kirill, for his part, told Cuban leader Raul Castro in
Havana earlier that he "placed great hope in the meeting with
Pope Francis".
The pope had made a nearly 13-hour flight to Havana.
The meeting has been in the works for years and will be
aimed at a further thaw in relations since the Russian Orthodox
and the Roman Catholic Churches split in the 11th century.
The two religious leaders will sign a joint statement at
Havana's Jose' Marti' International Airport.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella, in a message to the
pontiff at his departure Friday, emphasised the potential impact
of the event.
"Italy and the international community will follow with
special attention your historic meeting in Cuba with Patriarch
Kirill, which will constitute a moment of fundamental importance
for Christians and for all those who believe strongly in the
culture of dialogue," Mattarella wrote.
In his message to Mattarella, Pope Francis said during his
trip he intends "to support the mission of the local Church and
to bring a message of hope".
The pontiff will depart Havana for Mexico City later on
Friday, and is expected to arrive at Benito Juarez International
Airport at 7:30 p.m. local time.
On Friday the pope tweeted, "In Mexico I will look into the
eyes of the Virgin Mary and implore her to look upon us always
with mercy. I entrust my journey to her".
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