Ananova:

The official Vatican newspaper has taken the unusual step of revealing that Pope Benedict XVI does not wear Prada.

For almost two years, rumours have suggested that Benedict's stylish red shoes were made for him by the Milan fashion house.

Last year, the 81-year-old was even named "accessoriser of the year" by Esquire magazine.

The Osservatore Romano has now decided to end the debate, stating that the Pope dresses according to a precise liturgical code.

"Naturally the attribution was false. The banality of our times does not even recognise that the colour red has a clear sacrificial significance."

The newspaper did not reveal who did make the shoes, but the Corriere della Sera newspaper revealed they were the work of Adriano Stefanelli.

Mr Stefanelli is said to have fashioned a calfskin version for winter and a pair in nappa leather for summer.

The Osservatore Romano emphasised that Benedict was not a man who fusses over fashion.

"These rumours do not tally with the simple and sober man who, on the day of his election to the papacy, address the faithful and the whole world with the sleeves of his modest black sweater showing."

It concluded: "The Pope does not wear Prada, but Christ. His worries are not about accessories, but the essential."