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THE Pope has been revealed as a secret Fanta drinker after a trip to the Vatican by Archbishop of York John Sentamu.

He took Pope Benedict XVI a case of Holy Grail beer, brewed in Yorkshire, but was in turn handed a glass of the fizzy orange drink.

Aides say the German-born Pope is addicted to Fanta and guzzles down four cans a day - which adds up to 1460 cans ayear.

Vatican spokesman Father Tim Finigan said: "The Holy Father shuns booze and tries to convert all his guests to the benefits of pop.

"He prefers Fanta. I'm not really sure why, perhaps because it was originally created in Germany.

"But he goes through at least three or four cans a day and always has it with his evening meal."

A spokesman for Coca Cola, who produce the Fanta range, said: "We are very flattered to have the Pope as a fan of our beverages.

"We will send him a few cases to ensure he doesn't run out. But I don't think we'll use him in any ad campaigns."