Facing freeze: The picture of the pregnant nun eating ice cream is facing a ban by the advertising watchdog

The provocative slogan ‘immaculately conceived’ appears on the image of the nun eating from a pot of Antonio Federici Gelato Italiano.

Meanwhile, the picture of two men in cassocks and clerical collars, embracing with their lips inches apart, bears the words ‘we believe in salivation’.

The Advertising Standards Authority received complaints that the adverts, which have appeared in Grazia, Look and The Lady, are offensive to religious believers.

It has indicated the image of the nun is likely to be banned and is still investigating the advert featuring the priests.

British firm Antonio Federici said the adverts celebrated the ‘implied forbidden Italian temptations’ of the ice cream.

Creative director Matt O’Connor said the company would lose a substantial sum if it had to pull the campaign and was considering a legal challenge.

He said: ‘Only a tiny proportion of those who have seen the ads have made complaints. They seem to be upholding the views of a bigoted minority over the majority.’

But retired Catholic bishop John Jukes decried such adverts, saying: ‘They tend to add to the ­general downgrading and attack on religious opinions and religiously committed people, which is a danger to the welfare of our culture.’

Article and more photos: HERE