The Catholic Bishop of Helsinki, Teemu Sippo, received word of the proposal from a Papal Nuncio, a diplomatic representative of the Holy See.

Sippo says he forwarded the invitation to Orthodox officials during a recent visit to Moscow.

"I believe the idea is percolating. We have time to wait if something is to come of it," said Sippo.

But a visit is unlikely, according to Sippo, who says the Pope’s visit to Russia may be difficult for political reasons. He says the Vatican has requested a meeting with Patriarch Kirill on several occasions.

The Pope last visited Finland in 1989.