We deeply admire the (very serious) work of Pope Francis, but it's been a gusty year at the Vatican and the pontiff has struggled more than once to keep hold of his hat. Here's the lighter side of the pope's year in pictures:
1. New take on the dog collar
2. Papa Smurf
3. Peekaboo
4. 'Doh'
5. Call me Kung Fu Francis
6. The flying saucer
7. 'Err... I can't see where I'm going'
8. Blowing his nose
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester
Hundreds of churches in Germany being targeted with vandalism and theft
The three Christian meanings of Advent
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester
The Christian story behind Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
The bishop who became Santa Claus
Princess of Wales to lead Westminster Abbey carol service, celebrating kindness and community
Thousands attend launch of nationwide Christmas evangelistic campaign at Royal Albert Hall
Vatican to install showers for the homeless in St Peter's Square
Pope to raffle gifts including panama hat, Fiat Panda and espresso machine to raise money for the poor
Pope Francis: Don't proselytise, instead heal the sick and seek the lost
Why Pope Francis won't meet the Dalai Lama
Pope Francis thanks Salvation Army for teaching him about Christian unity as a small boy
Some of kidnapped children in Niger state are released.
The teacher was apparently sanctioned despite saying things that were "incontestably true".
The Bishop of Manchester has called upon the government to exempt vicars from a new mansion tax.
The documentary will air on Channel 4.