The Latest: Pope signals hope for visits to China, Russia
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Latest on Pope Francis's historic meeting in Cuba with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and his subsequent trip to Mexico (all times local):
7:50 a.m.
Pope Francis is taking a big step toward improving relations with the Russian Orthodox Church by meeting in Cuba with Patriarch Kirill. But when might he visit Russia?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Francis was asked the question as he greeted journalists en route to Havana on Friday.
"China and Russia, I have them here," he said, pointing to his heart. "Pray."
Popes have dreamed of visiting Russia but the circumstances continue to dim any hope of a papal visit anytime soon.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Alitalia jet carrying Francis and his entourage departed Friday morning from Rome's airport. First stop is Havana's airport, where Francis will meet for a few hours with Kirill in a ground-breaking step toward improving Catholic-Orthodox relations.
Francis will then visit Mexico, returning to Rome on Feb. 18.