Turkey's Government has promised that Christian pilgrims hoping to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of St Paul's birth in a historic church-turned-museum in Tarsus will be admitted for free, writes David Barchard.

People attending previous Masses in the building have been obliged to buy museum entrance tickets, a practice that is strongly resented. But sources in the ruling AKP Justice and Development Party said that pilgrims coming to the celebrations in June would not have to buy a ticket. Local Catholic clergy have expressed a desire to see the building, currently the St Paul Monument Museum, permanently restored as a church.

The Turkish authorities say that they welcome the Jubilee. Hüseyin Aksoy, governor of the province of Icel, which includes Tarsus, last week told the Turkish newspaper Zaman that preparations for festivities are under way. He said that a fountain is being constructed near the Well of St Paul and that houses in the area are having their facades renewed. There are also plans to illuminate the church at night. Mr Aksoy added that special security measures would be implemented.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is expected to lead the pilgrims in June.