Others saw the pope’s disdain for the mayor as being linked to his support of gay marriage, and in particular the city “legalising” same-sex marriages conducted abroad, even though Italy still bans such unions.

One thing is sure — the row will not help relations as Rome gears up to welcome 20 million pilgrims for the Year of Mercy, which begins on December 8, when the faithful will be granted special indulgences, the highest form of forgiveness. MORE