Wine is a gift from God, Pope Francis tells Italian producers

The pope told industry leaders at the Vatican the drink was a source of joy' but encouraged healthy habits

Pope Francis has said that wine is a gift from God" and a true source of joy" for its consumers - words that have been immediately embraced by Italian wine producers who have fought against European health warnings.

Francis made the comments during a private audience at the Vatican with winemakers from across Italy. Welcoming his audience, he joked: This seems like a drunk pope", before going on to say: Wine, land, agricultural skills and entrepreneurialism are gifts from God - the creator has entrusted them to us because, with our sensitivity and honesty, we make them a true source of joy."