Pope Francis Returns to Cuba on Feb. 12

To meet with Russian Orthodox leader

HAVANA TIMES — Pope Francis returns briefly to Cuba on February 12 for a meeting with Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, announced the Vatican on Friday. His last trip to the island was for an official four day visit back in September 2015.

The Pope will make the stopover in Havana on his way to Mexico. The talks with the Patriarch, who will be on an official visit to Cuba, will take place at the Havana International Airport and conclude with the signing of joint declaration, informed Vatican radio.

“This meeting of the Primates of the Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, after a long preparation, will be the first in history and will mark an important stage in relations between the two Churches.

“The Holy See and the Moscow Patriarchate hope that it will also be a sign of hope for all people of good will. They invite all Christians to pray fervently for God to bless this meeting, that it may bear good fruits,” adds a joint press release of the Holy See and the Patriarchate of Moscow.

Cuban President Raul Castro participated in the coordination for the meeting and will be present at the airport on next Friday, reportó dpa news.