The Pope is a fan of Spitfire Ale, according to celebrity priest Father Michael Seed.

The revelation appears in a national newspaper column, which says the British cleric regularly sends English beer mats to the Vatican as Easter or Christmas gifts.

Fr Michael goes on to say Pope Benedict XVI has a “fondness” for Spitfire, the Kentish ale brewed at Faversham by Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame.

A spokesman said: "It's an unexpected choice for a Pope born in Germany, as Spitfire advertising is famous for its tongue-in-cheek, Dad’s Army-style wartime humour, with slogans such as “No Fokker Comes Close” and “Goering, Goering, Gone”."

Spitfire brand manager Charlie Holland said: “The Pope is not the first German to down a Spitfire but certainly the most famous. We are delighted that His Holiness enjoys the unique taste of Spitfire.”