The retired head of Slovenia's Catholic Church has agreed to undergo a paternity test, after a man claimed to be his son from a love affair in the late 1960s.

"This story is untrue and shows me in an unreal light - it concerns a friendship with a lady almost 50 years ago", said Cardinal Franc Rode, who was prefect until last year of the Vatican's Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. "I have request the withdrawal of these false claims, and I will defend my good name and honour with all legal means."

The 77-year-old issued the statement in response to allegations by the 42-year-old published in Slovenia's Delo daily.

Above: Cardinal Rode. Photo: CNS