Rabbi Bob Alper describes himself as "the world's only practising clergyman doing stand-up comedy... intentionally".

Now the Vermont-based rabbi, who does the odd High Holy Day service as well as appearances on stage, has been made "honorary comedic adviser" to none other than the Pope.

He beat thousands of other entrants to win a Joke with the Pope campaign run by the Vatican.

According to the Jewish Press, his winning entry went: "My wife and I have been married for over 46 years, and our lives are totally in synch. For example, at the same time I got a hearing aid, she stopped mumbling."