Havana, March 14 (RHC)-- Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has sent a letter to President Raúl Castro, thanking Cuban authorities and people for the warm welcome and hospitality he and his accompanying delegation received during their recent visit to what he described as 'the blessed Cuban land.'

In the message, Patriarch Kirill acknowledges the Cuban authorities for creating all the necessary conditions for his historic meeting with Pope Francis. He wrote: “I am sure that this event will open a new page in relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.”

“I will treasure in my heart the noblest memories of this visit to the Island of Liberty, as well as the sentiments of affection and hospitality of the Cuban people,” said the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in his messages, which was published in the Monday edition of the Cuban newspaper Granma.