A photo of Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto in a revealing “schoolgirl” outfit was briefly liked by the Pope’s account, @franciscus.

The incident sparked worldwide media interest and social media jokes, but the Vatican is taking the matter seriously.

A spokesperson told The Guardian: “We can exclude that the ‘like’ came from the Holy See, and [have] turned to Instagram for explanations.”

Ms Garibotto, on the other hand, tweeted: “At least I’m going to heaven.”