Pope given 30,002 shoes

Pope Benedict has been given 15,001 pairs of shoes during a visit to Vigevano, the northern city known as Italy's shoe capital.

A local consortium gave one pair for himself and 15,000 more pairs for the needy around the world.

The Pope was given burgundy-coloured loafers designed and manufactured by the Moreschi firm and made from kangaroo hide.

Those destined for the poor include boots and other types of footwear.

Local industrialists are due to send them directly to charities chosen by the Vatican.

Pope Benedict last year made a splash in the fashion world by appearing in a pair of stylish, bright red loafers and there has been speculation that Italian designers such as Prada may have contributed to the papal wardrobe.

The sartorial twist contrasted with Pope John Paul, a confirmed ascetic who was known for his brown, sensible shoes.