Cuban faithful celebrating Christmas say they have plenty to cheer this year as they prepare for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI, the first visit by a pontiff to the Communist-run island since John Paul II’s historic tour nearly 14 years ago.

A fierce storm that could turn into a hurricane appeared to be heading towards Florida today.

Ailing Cuban strongman Fidel Castro told hundreds of admirers in Havana for his delayed 80th birthday celebrations today that he was not well enough to meet them.

FIDEL CASTRO, who has wielded absolute power over Cuba for 47 years, remained out of sight yesterday amid uncertainty surrounding his health following intestinal surgery.

Fidel Castro, who took control of Cuba in 1959, rebuffed repeated US attempts to oust him and survived communism’s demise almost everywhere else, temporarily relinquished his presidential powers to his brother Raul last night because of surgery.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams will today round off his visit to Cuba with a meeting with the country’s foreign minister Felipe Perez Roque.