Russian Orthodox leader, pope meet in historic event

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY

With an exclamation of “Finally,” Pope Francis embraced Patriarch Kirill on Friday in the first meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, a brief but historic encounter held during a stopover in Cuba before the pope flew on to Mexico.

The meeting in the small, wood-paneled VIP room of Havana’s airport was a landmark development in the 1,000-year schism that has divided Christianity.

“We are brothers,” Francis said as he embraced Kirill. The men exchanged three kisses on the cheek.

“Now things are easier,” Kirill agreed. “This is the will of God,” the pope said.

Later Friday, Francis flew into Mexico City’s airport to begin a five-day visit during which he plans to 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.

A smiling Francis was greeted with a rock concert-like show with blue floodlights illuminating a stage and bandstands and crowds waving yellow handkerchiefs. Mariachis serenaded as his chartered plane pulled to a stop and people shouted “Brother Francis, you’re already Mexican.”

President Enrique Pena Nieto and his wife met Francis on a red carpet. The pontiff made no public remarks before beginning a 131/2-mile trip to the papal envoy’s residence for the night.

In Havana, the two church leaders’ meeting and signing of a joint declaration was decades in the making and cemented Francis’ reputation as a risk-taking statesman who values dialogue, bridge-building and rapprochement at almost any cost.