The Latest: Pope meetings with Korean Protestants in Geneva

GENEVA – The Latest on the pope's visit to Geneva (all times local):

4:25 p.m.

Pope Francis has met with a group of Korean Protestants while on a trip to Geneva to promote Christian unity, symbolizing the pontiff's hopes for cooperation and unity on the Korean Peninsula.

Francis' smiles and handshakes with the eight Koreans came during his one-day visit to the World Council of Churches on Thursday. The fellowship of non-Catholic churches is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founding in 1948, the same year Korea split into North and South.

The Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, a Lutheran minister and general secretary of the World Council of Churches, told reporters he hopes the pope's greeting "is a gesture that will inspire" the Koreans, who came from both the South and the North.

Korean Protestants regularly attend WCC meetings, but the show of unity comes amid an unexpected thaw in intra-Korean and U.S.-North Korean relations.

___

12 noon

Pope Francis has been greeted joyfully by Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and Orthodox leaders as he arrived for an ecumenical service among many different Christian faiths at the World Council of Churches.

The pontiff waved to onlookers from his car as he arrived at WCC headquarters in Geneva for the prayer service in a modern hall with lattice woodwork and stained-glass windows. Worshippers sang songs from England, Germany, as well as a thumping hymn from the Lumka song book from South Africa.

American Bishop Mary Ann Swenson of the United Methodist Church said "it's so great to have you here" as Francis emerged under sunny skies from his car.

During the service, she said the pope's work "has inspired, enthused and strengthened the relationship and cooperation with the World Council of Churches on the common journey of the pilgrimage of justice and peace."

___

10:20 a.m.

Pope Francis has arrived in Geneva, one of the world's first cities to adopt the Protestant Reformation, for a one-day visit to highlight the importance of Christians praying and working together.

Francis will become the third pope to visit the World Council of Churches, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

The pontiff walked slowly down from his plane, smiled and shook hands with President Alain Berset and other Swiss officials.

Francis received a red-carpet welcome at the airport in Geneva, the "City of Calvin." A girl and a boy in traditional dress gave him bouquets, while a military band provided a musical fanfare.

The WCC is a fellowship of 350 churches that aims to show the unity of the Christian faith. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member.