The Communist Party newspaper in Cuba has published on its front page a Christmas message from Pope John Paul.

The unprecedented move is the latest concession by the government of Fidel Castro in the run-up to the Pope's planned visit to Cuba next month.

In his message, the Pope welcomed the re-instatement last week of Christmas as a national holiday in Cuba for this year after nearly three decades.

He also expressed the hope that the Roman Catholic church would enjoy increasing freedom in Cuba, and pointed to the responsibility of its leaders for the island's future.

The BBC Havana correspondent says the Church has been playing down expectations that the visit will bring about political change in Cuba.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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