Several Tokyo-based priests on Saturday welcomed the meeting in Cuba between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill, calling it an important development but one that is unlikely to lead to reunion.

"The meeting was very historic," said the Rev. Russell Becker, a Catholic priest with the Franciscan Chapel Center. "They're not going to come into communion with us, but this is a breakthrough because at least they're talking."

Russian Orthodox believers gathered on Saturday afternoon for an all-night vigil at St. Alexander Nevsky Church in Tokyo's Meguro Ward. People present declined to be interviewed.