The Vatican newspaper has declared that The Simpson's are Catholic, a claim that has left the show's producer bemused.

It is not the first time that the show has been praised by the newspaper, on its 20th anniversary it was recognised for its philosophical leanings and irreverent take on religion.

But show producer Al Jean says Homer and Bart only ever considered becoming Catholic during an episode in 2005.

He said: "They did...Bart and Homer were very interested in Catholicism. They liked the spaghetti dinners, and they liked the confession, where you could just absolve yourself of all your sins. But, honestly, I think Homer would have difficulty not eating meat on Friday, not even for an hour."

He continued: "We've always shown them as Protestants going to, what we call 'Presbylutheran' church."