When Instagram lingerie model Natalia Garibotto posted a revealing school girl-inspired outfit and high white stockings with suspenders on Oct. 6, the account of the bishop of Rome, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis were among the many viewers that left a “like”.
It was unclear when the pope’s official account gave the model his blessing, but the “like” was visible on Nov. 13 before being unliked the following day.
COY Co, Garibotto’s management company, wasted no time seizing the opportunity to promote the model on social media.
“COY Co. has received the POPE’S OFFICIAL BLESSING,” the company said on Instagram on Nov. 13.
“At least I’m going to heaven,” the model joked on Twitter.
A team runs the pope’s social media accounts, but the Vatican believes the “like” came from an outside source.
A spokesperson for the Vatican told NBC News that it was seeking answers from the popular social media app.
“We are studying what happened with the help of the competent office at Instagram,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican Press office.
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