Havana, Feb 12 (Prensa Latina) The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church His Holiness Kirill, today arrived in Havana for an official visit in response to the invitation extended by the President of Cuba, Raul Castro.

The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, whose stay will last until Sunday, arrived at José Martí International Airport in the capital, where he was received by the President of this Caribbean nation.

When departing from Russia, the Patriarch predicted that his trip to Latin America, which will also take him to Paraguay and Brazil, will be extensive and complex, but said that he visits Cuba with a special feeling.

Precisely on the Caribbean island Kirill will hold tomorrow a meeting with Pope Francis, who will make a stopover in Havana during his trip to Mexico, in what will be the first meeting ever between the heads of the largest Christian churches in the world.

According to a statement of the Patriarchate of Moscow, the religious leaders will discuss for three hours about the relations between the two churches, the international context and the defense of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa against the persecution and genocide.