The ‘schoolgirl model’ who was at the centre of a Vatican scandal has paid tribute to the Pope following his death.
Five years ago, Natalia Garibotto, 32, had one of her photos reportedly liked by the pontiff’s Instagram account.
The model, who is dating basketball star, Malik Beasley, appeared in a schoolgirl uniform to promote her racy online content.
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She captioned the snap: “I can teach you a thing or two.”
The photo was posted in October 2020, although it’s unclear when it allegedly received the papal approval, which was finally rescinded on 14 November.
An investigation followed and the Catholic Church turned to Instagram for answers, as reported by Need To Know.
It was concluded that an employee possibly ‘liked’ the photo while thinking they were using their personal account, or that the Pope’s account was hacked.
At the time, Natalia joked: “At least I’m going to heaven.”
“My mum may hate my a*s pics, but the Pope be double-tapping.”
Following Pope Francis’s death yesterday (21 Apr), Natalia paid tribute to the figure who helped her “grow all over the world”.
Natalia said: “Pope Francis, you are a legendary Pope.
“May you rest in peace.”
She added: “Rest in Paradise, my friend.”
She said he “showed the world a different side, that he was also human”.
Natalia, the daughter of a Brazilian mother and an Argentine father, based in Miami, US, added: “He helped me grow all over the world.”
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