when his predecessor pope john paul the second made hisashi toic trip to cuba in 1998, relations showed a dramatic improvement. >> it has appeared to open the doors for the unusual protestants. they allowed evangelicals to hold their celebrations in public places around the country. >> i believe the authorities are understanding that the gospel of jesus christ is a blessing for the cuban family and for our nation. therefore they are slowly opening the doors to allow us christians to express our faith publically and we praise god for that. >> believers are calling it a vibt victory. >> what is happening today was only a dream before. >> god did more than we could have imagined. >> cuban christians have prayed for the opportunity to openly express their faith in public. christmas rallies took place with adult and childrens' choirs and different pastors addressing the crowds. cuban leaders who havelied with restrictions for years are hoping it will lead to more freedom for the cuban church. stan jeter, cbn news. >>> thanks, stan. you can find daily reports >> and finally this week, cbn's o