February 16, 2015

Pope meets Russian Orthodox leader in Cuba; travels to Mexico

Associated Press
Published: February 12, 2016

Pope Francis on Friday night has landed in the Mexican capital for his first papal visit to Mexico in which he wants to convey a message of solidarity with the victims of violence and communities stuck in poverty.

The pope arrived at Mexico City's international airport from Havana, where he had an historic meeting with the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox church.

Francis will tour Mexico, the most Catholic country in the Spanish-speaking world, through Wednesday. According to the most recent census, Mexico's percentage of Catholics has declined from 96 percent in 1970 to 83 percent in 2010.

Francis is scheduled to visit places most affected by poverty, violence and immigration.

In Havana, with a hug and an exclamation of "Finally," Pope Francis met Friday with Patriarch Kirill in the first ever meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, a historic development in the 1,000-year schism that has divided Christianity.

"We are brothers," Francis said as he embraced Kirill in the small, wood-paneled VIP room of Havana's airport, where the three-hour encounter took place.

"Now things are easier," Kirill agreed as he and the pope exchanged three kisses on the cheek. "This is the will of God," the pope said.

Francis was having the brief talks in Cuba before heading off on a five-day visit to Mexico, where the pontiff will bring a message of solidarity with the victims of drug violence, human trafficking and discrimination to some of that country's most violent and poverty-stricken regions.

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