Vatican launches probe after Pope Francis' Instagram account caught 'liking' model's racy post

The Vatican is launching a probe into usage of the papal Instagram account, after Pope Francis' Instagram page hit headlines earlier this week when users noticed it had 'liked' a model's racy post on the social media site.

The 'like' was spotted by a follower of Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto, 27, who took a screenshot to prove that the picture had caught the eye of someone very unexpected. Pope Francis’ verified account, Franciscus, appeared among the likes of the racy snap, which showed Garibotto posing against lockers while wearing suspenders, a cropped shirt, and a very short plaid skirt.

According to the Catholic News Agency, the the post was 'unliked' on November 14, after the news outlet asked the Holy See Press Office for comment on the incident.

"My mom may hate my a** pics but the Pope be double-tapping." Garibotto told Barstool Sports when she was informed of the news.

"At least I'm going to heaven." She added on Twitter, responding to Barstool Sports' tweet on the incident.

Sources close to the Vatican press office told CNA that the pope's social media accounts are run by a team of employees and an internal investigation is underway to ascertain just how the 'like' happened.

Pope Francis recently hit the headlines for his support of the LGBTQ+ community, which marks the first time that a pontiff has publicly supported the group.

In a documentary called Francesco, the 83-year-old head of the Catholic church said: "Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it.

"What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered."

Francesco had its premiere at Rome Film Festival in October and the Pope's comment marked the most public and transparent support of same-sex unions he has given to date.

Reverend James Martin, a well-known pro-LGBTQ+ Jesuit, said that the Pope's comments marked a step in the right direction for the Catholic Church.

In an interview with The Washington Post, he said: "I think it's a big step forward. In the past, even civil unions were frowned upon in many quarters of the church. He is putting his weight behind legal recognition of same-sex civil unions."