Finally, we are brothers: Pope and Patriarch bring an end to 1,000-year rift

The Pope and head of the Russian Orthodox Church have met for the first time in a historic encounter of reconciliation following a 1,000-year split in Christianity. Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill embraced and kissed each other three times on the cheek during their meeting at Havana airport in Cuba. It was the first time a pope and Russian patriarch have ever met. As they greeted each other, the pontiff said: “Finally, We are brothers. It is very clear that this is the will of God." Kirill replied: "Yes, things are much easier now.”

If it continues this way, Cuba will be the capital of unity

Pope Francis

After their meeting - seen as another coup for Cuban president Raul Castro - the two religious leaders held talks about healing the long-standing rift between their churches, which split apart in 1054. They also issued a statement lamenting the plight of Christians in the Middle East, saying: “Their churches are being barbarously ravaged and looted, their sacred objects profaned, their monuments destroyed.” Pope Francis has now arrived in Mexico for a five-day visit, which will see him visit some of the communities worst hit by poverty and violence. He rode in an open-air popemobile from the airport to the Vatican ambassador’s residence in Mexico City, with thousands braving the cold to line the route.

Hopefully, his visit and prayers will help Mexico because things are bad and violent

Housewife Ana Gonzalez awaits the Pope’s arrival

Americas