Audio By Carbonatix
The England and Wales Cricket Board has apologised for a social media post joking that Pope Francis "loves the Ashes".
A message on the X account of the 88-year-old Pope, who has been in hospital since February, was posted to mark Ash Wednesday.
In response, the England Cricket account wrote: "Even @Pontifex loves The Ashes". The post has since been deleted.
An ECB spokesperson said: "This was an ill-judged post and was swiftly deleted. We apologise for any offence."
On Wednesday, the account of Pope Francis posted: "The Ashes remind us of who we are, which does us good.
"It puts us in our place, smooths out the rough edges of our narcissism, brings us back to reality, and makes us more humble and open to one another. None of us is God; we are all on a journey."
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period in which Christians prepare for Easter.
Latest Stories
-
Nearly three million Teslas recalled in China over hidden door handles
3 hours -
China probes use of formaldehyde to keep cabbages fresh
3 hours -
Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ dies at 65
3 hours -
SYPALA 2026 opens at UPSA, puts Africa’s economic future under the spotlight
3 hours -
Man City agree deal for Palmeiras winger Allan
4 hours -
New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban
4 hours -
GoldBod rejects funding crisis claims, says gold purchases remain on course
4 hours -
I await courage from accusers to report ‘extortion’ claims – Afenyo-Markin
4 hours -
Prince Harry steps down from African wildlife charity board
4 hours -
I’ll submit myself to any investigation to clear my name – Afenyo-Markin on ‘extortion’ allegation
4 hours -
NAIMOS arrests 3, destroys 86 Chanfang machines in Ablebo galamsey sweep
4 hours -
Galamsey: Ghana’s rivers cannot afford another failed experiment – Akwasi Konadu
4 hours -
Blue Water Guards programme failing in fight against galamsey – Manhyia North MP
4 hours -
Policy indiscipline, incompetence stifling Africa’s growth — IMANI boss
5 hours -
We will vet Mahama Ayariga fearlessly – Minority Leader
5 hours