Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto and Pope Francis.

Gulf Today Report

The Holy See is apparently in a flutter after what it sees as unholy: Pope Francis ‘liking’ a Brazilian model, Natalia Garibotto.

The Vatican has launched an investigation into how the Pope’s Instagram account came to “like” a picture of the provocative siren.

The apparent blessing from Pope Francis’s account of an image of her wearing school uniform-inspired stockings and suspenders was noticed nearly six weeks after she posted it, according to the Independent.

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The “like” from the Pontiff’s account – which is typically used to post images and videos of papal appearances and speeches – could still be viewed on 13 November, the Catholic News Agency (CNA) reported, however it was removed the following day.

The Catholic Church has launched an internal probe to establish how the interaction with the 27-year-old’s profile occurred, CNA reported, citing sources close to the Vatican press office.

The Pope’s social media accounts are managed by a team of people.

“We can exclude that the ‘like’ came from the Holy See, and it has turned to Instagram for explanations,” a Vatican spokesperson said.

However, Garibotto, whose management company is called COY Co, does not seem to be coy about being connected to the pontifical celebrity.

She said: “My mum may hate my a** pics but the Pope is double-tapping.”

The Pope has amassed some 7.4 million Instagram followers under the username, @franciscus, but does not follow any accounts himself.

It is not clear whether Garibotto, who has 2.4 million followers of her own, is among his followers.

The officials in the Vatican may be red-faced with righteous indignation, but the same cannot be said of the model, who is thrilled to bits by the arclights of Papal fame.

At least I’m going to heaven,” said Garibotto.