Miami Archbishop cancels Cuba cruise

Roman Catholic church officials in the United States have cancelled a plan for hundreds of pilgrims to sail from Miami to Cuba in a cruise liner to see the Pope when he visits the island next month.

The decision follows criticism from prominent Cuban exiles in Miami who denounced the cruise, saying it would be used by President Castro to his political advantage.

The Archbishop of Miami John Favalorasaid he had cancelled the cruise as it had become a source of tension in the community.

He said he would lead a pilgrimage to see the Pope by other means.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service