Pope's 'rapper pose' pic goes viral

A photograph showing Pope Francis (79) in a classic rapper pose has gone viral on social media.

The AFP snap of Francis speaking during a visit to a camp for displaced people in Central African Republic on Sunday has sparked a storm of puns and suggested hip-hop lyrics.

Holding his microphone in his right hand with his fingers wrapped around the top of it, the pontiff holds out his left hand horizontally, as if counting out beats.

Francis, who took over from Benedict XVI in 2013, has won over many fans due to his modest personal style and his efforts to make the Church more relevant.