Cubans celebrate Christmas with official blessing

Cubans have officially celebrated Christmas for the first time in almost thirty years.

President Fidel Castro announced the public holiday after a direct request by Pope John Paul who is to visit Cuba next month.

At mass, Cardinal Jaime Ortega welcomed the move -- which is a special concession for this year only --as important for society.

In his address, the Cardinal reminded people to remember the message of Christmas as one of spiritual light and love.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service