For the first time in almost four decades, Roman Catholic bishops will address the people of Cuba through state-run television. The prelates will discuss the upcoming visit of Pope John Paul II, Jan. 21-25.

Cardinal Jaime Ortega, archbishop of Havana, will speak to the nation at 10 p.m. today over Tele Rebelde-Channel 2, The Herald has learned. However, the telecast has not been advertised in any of the media controlled by the government.

``I don't know how long Monsignor Ortega's speech will last, but it will be long enough to explain the meaning of the pope's visit,'' said a source at the Havana Archdiocese who requested anonymity.

Monsignor Adolfo Rodriguez Herrera, bishop of Camaguey, is expected to speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday over Tele Camaguey, a regional channel that covers the eastern provinces of Ciego de Avila, Camaguey and Las Tunas.

Two other prelates said they plan to address their dioceses through local stations: Monsignor Fernando Prego, bishop of Santa Clara, and Monsignor Pedro Meurice Estiu, archbishop of Santiago de Cuba.