The Pope says 'wine is a gift from God' and a 'true source of joy' as he jokes about appearing 'drunk'
- Pope Francis told winemakers that wine is a 'gift from God'
- He was quick to say that it needed to be enjoyed in moderation
- Last week, he said that sexual pleasure was something to be cherished
Pope Francis has proclaimed that wine 'is a gift from God', and a 'true source of joy' for drinkers, as he cracked a joke about appearing drunks.
Speaking at a private audience with Italian winemakers in the Vatican, he joked: 'This seems like a drunk pope.'
He told the gathered group: 'Wine, land, agricultural skills and entrepreneurialism are gifts from God – the creator has entrusted them to us because, with our sensitivity and honesty, we make them a true source of joy.'
But he was quick to tell winemakers that they needed to reflect on the 'moral and ethical responsibilities' stemming from their work.
He told them that they needed to treat their workers fairly, ensure a clean environment, and encourage healthy drinking habits.
Pope Francis (pictured) told winemakers that they needed to reflect on the 'moral and ethical responsibilities' stemming from their work
He told the gathered group: 'Wine, land, agricultural skills and entrepreneurialism are gifts from God – the creator has entrusted them to us because, with our sensitivity and honesty, we make them a true source of joy.'
The event was organised by the Bishop of Verona, Domenico Pompili, before a major wine trade fair that takes place in northern Italy every year.
The bishop said: 'Saint Paul said it – a glass is good to cheer you up, but in moderation.'
The pontiff is considered one of the most progressive leaders of the Catholic Church in centuries, and has made several proclamations that have raised eyebrows among more conservative members of the faith.
Last week, he told attendees of his General Audience in the Vatican that sexual pleasure was a gift from God that should be cherished.
He was quick to say that this gift was 'undermined by pornography,' telling the public: 'Satisfaction without a relationship can generate forms of addiction. We must defend love. Winning against the battle of lust can be a lifelong undertaking.'
The pope was previously in hot water after his official Instagram account left a like on a racy photo of a model wearing little more than stockings and suspenders.
A screenshot taken by an eagle-eyed social media user shows the @francisus account liking a picture of Natalia Garibotto dressed in a revealing schoolgirl outfit.
The image shows Miss Garibotto dressed in a short tartan skirt while packing books into a locker.
And it appears the Pope's official account was one of more than 133,000 to have liked the then-27-year-old Brazilian model's picture.
Miss Garibotto took the like in good humour, joking she was on her 'way to the Vatican' with her Twitter followers.
She told Barstool Sports: 'My mum may hate my ass pics but the Pope be double-tapping.'
Writing on Twitter afterwards, she said: 'Brb on my way to the Vatican. At least I’m going to heaven.
'If Pope Francis wanted the site, so should you.'
