VATICAN TO INVESTIGATE POPE ACCOUNT’S LINGERIE MODEL ‘LIKE’

Fri 20 November 2020:

A photograph of model Natalia Garibotto, who was dressed in schoolgirl-style undergarments, was liked by Francis’ verified account, franciscus, the Catholic News Agency (CNA) reported.

It is unclear when the photograph was first liked, but the interaction was visible on November 13, before being unliked the next day, after CNA approached the Holy See Press Office for comment, the news agency said.

The Vatican has said it is investigating after Pope Francis’ Instagram account liked a photo of a scantily clad Brazilian model.

It is unclear when the photo was liked or who actually “liked” it – it was promptly “unliked” after outlets began reporting on it last Friday. Screenshot evidence of the “like” has been posted to social media.

In comments to the BBC, the Papal Press office dispelled rumours that the Pope personally liked the photo, saying that “as far as we know the ‘like’ did not come from the Holy See”.

In addition, the Vatican confirmed to Catholic News Agency that the Pope’s social media presence is managed by a team of employees.

The Pope’s account has some 7.4 million followers, but does not follow anyone.

In response to the “like”, the model in question posted tweets making light of the bizarre occurrence: “At least I’m going to heaven,” she joked, noting that she was herself “religious”.

The Vatican added that it would be working with Instagram to determine how the mysterious “like” came about.