AN EMBARRASSED Vatican has had to recall more than 6000 papal medallions because the name Jesus was misspelt.

The medals, minted by the Italian State Mint to commemorate the election of Pope Francis, went on sale on Tuesday.

But, soon after, complaints began to flood in.

The collectable - available in gold, silver or bronze - had the Latin spelling of Jesus (Jesvs) printed incorrectly with an "L" in the place of the "J".

The finely engraved medallions show Pope Francis in a pose that highlights that he is the first Jesuit pope in history.

The phrase which contains the incorrect spelling was chosen by Pope Francis himself.

VIDIT ERGO L(J)ESUS PUBLICANUM ET QUIA MISERANDO ATQUE ELIGENDO VIDIT, AIT ILLI SEQUERE ME

It translates as: "Jesus, therefore, saw the publican, and because he saw by having mercy and by choosing, He said to him, 'Follow me'"

Pope Francis was elected in March after Pope Benedict XVI caused an international sensation by stepping down from the top job - the first pope in 600 years to do so.

Those medallions still in circulation are likely to become extremely valuable collectors' items.