Cameron's told him in no uncertain terms

In a reference to the method used by the Vatican to announce a decision on the identity of the new pope, he said: 'The white smoke over the Falklands was pretty clear.'

Asked at a press conference in Brussels whether he agreed with Francis on the issue of the Falklands, Mr Cameron said: 'I don't agree with him - respectfully, obviously.

'There was a pretty extraordinarily clear referendum in the Falkland Islands and I think that is a message to everyone in the world that the people of these islands have chosen very clearly the future they want and that choice should be respected by everyone.'

Buenos Aires-born Francis I made the remarks in April last year 30 years on from the conflict which was sparked by his country invading the disputed territory.