Elsida Martinez, a Havana resident who said she watched from the square when John Paul spoke in 1998, said there was a noticeable difference between the two pontiffs.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

When the exhibition closed the clock was reassembled in Newport's John Frost Square where it became a visitor attraction.

BBC: Newport mechanical clock gets new home in Llanwern

But in March it was announced that plans to revamp Newport's shopping centre with the Friars Walk development for John Frost Square had been approved.

BBC: Rise in shoppers in Newport despite store closures