In Greece, he issued an apology for centuries of Roman Catholic wrongs against Orthodox Christians.

CNN: Pope in Malta after peace plea

Worse was to follow when, perusing the Vietnam News while waiting for my chum, I read a message on the front page from President Tran Duc Luong a man educated in Moscow under the Soviet regime, for Pete's sake sending Christmas congratulations to the Catholic community and to other Christians and like-minded folk who wanted to join in the celebrations.

CNN: From Our Correspondent: Merry Christmas, Uncle Ho

Britain's most senior Roman Catholic Church cleric has called for Christians to wear a cross every day.

BBC: Scotland