A Brazilian model who once caused a global stir after a risqué photo of her was liked by Pope Francis' official Instagram account has spoken out following his death, saying the unexpected gesture helped her spiritually during a difficult time.
The incident occurred in Brazil, where the model, known by her social media handle '@nataagataa', lives and works, and gained global attention in November 2020.
The 'like' from the verified papal account appeared on an image of her dressed in a revealing schoolgirl outfit, posted publicly on Instagram.
Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto poses in undated photo. She was involved in a controversy over a sexy photo of her being liked by Pope Francis' Instagram account. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@nataagataa/Newsflash/NX)
The post was subsequently unliked, and the Vatican launched an internal investigation to determine how the account had interacted with the model's content.
The Holy See stated that the 'like' did not originate from the Pope himself, but did not clarify whether it was a staff error or an unauthorised access issue.
The 32-year-old model, whose full name is Natalia Garibotto, later commented that she had forgiven whoever was responsible and viewed the moment as a blessing.
Picture appears to show Pope's Instagram account, undated. Note: Image is a screenshot from Instagram account. (Newsflash/NX)
This week, following the death of Pope Francis, Natalia said she still remembers the event with gratitude.
Natalia said: "Pope Francis was a human pontiff who helped me a lot in that period of my life."
She added that the experience gave her strength when she was going through personal challenges and that she now looks back at the moment as more than just a viral meme.
At the time, the image and the Vatican’s reaction sparked widespread discussion across social media.
A Reddit user wrote: "That’s not what I expected to see on the Pope’s account, but maybe it was a divine accident."
Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto poses in undated photo. She was involved in a controversy over a sexy photo of her being liked by Pope Francis' Instagram account. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@nataagataa/Newsflash/NX)
Another user added: "Natalia handled this better than the Vatican did, honestly."
Natalia, who has over three million followers on Instagram, continued her modelling career and expanded into digital content and brand partnerships.
She is known for her work with fashion, fitness, and lifestyle brands and for embracing the unexpected attention that the papal 'like' brought her.
The Vatican has not commented further on the matter since the initial investigation was closed with no public findings.
Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto poses in undated photo. She was involved in a controversy over a sexy photo of her being liked by Pope Francis' Instagram account. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@nataagataa/Newsflash/NX)
Natalia continues to reference the event occasionally in interviews and on her social media platforms, usually with humour and composure.
Following Pope Francis' death, she expressed condolences online and reiterated that she holds no ill will over the incident.
She stated that she believes the moment was a turning point that gave her both visibility and unexpected support as a difficult time.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)